David Luiz: My dream is to end my career at Benfica

While Arsenal and the rest of the Premier League returned to training this week, the uncertainty of next season still looms large. Several players’ contracts are winding down, with several players’ time with the Gunners likely to come to an end. According to a recent interview, one of those players could be David Luiz, who expressed a desire to return to Benfica before his career is over in a recent interview.

Luiz joined Arsenal from crosstown rival Chelsea over the summer, but his tenure at Portuguese club Benfica became the springboard into a very successful career as one of the world’s top defenders. Despite his decorated career across several top clubs, he still holds the Lisbon-based side with high regard, stating “I want to wear the Benfica shirt again and feel that sensation. The day I come back to the Estadio da Luz it is going to be very special, one of the greatest feelings of my life.”

Luiz’ current contract with the Gunners runs through the 2021 season. At 33 years of age, his next contract will more than likely be the last major one of his career. Although Luiz’ short tenure at Arsenal has been a mixed bag, he has provided consistency and a veteran presence for the Gunners. While he was in no way going to be a long-term signing, his interview further hammers home the Gunners’ need to fortify their defense, a situation that has long been an issue.

With Sokratis and Luiz nearing the end of their time with the Gunners, the time to start looking toward the future is now. William Saliba will be a Gunner by the start of next season, but question marks still abound for a defense that has been rife with injuries and inconsistency. With any luck, though, Luiz will help usher the Gunners back into respectable form before passing the torch next season.