DAVID LUIZ’s emotional return to Champions League action was cruelly cut short by injury.
The Brazilian, who won the tournament in 2012 with Chelsea, is now plying his trade in Cyprus with Pafos.
AFPDavid Luiz was in action for Cypriot side Pafos’ Champions League opener against Olympiacos[/caption]
APThe Brazilian was on the receiving end of a boot to the face in the first half[/caption]
ZIGGO SPORTHe was forced off the pitch with a muscular injury just after the half-hour mark[/caption]
The Cypriot side kicked off their league phase away to Greek giants Olympiacos on Wednesday.
Luiz was part of the tournament debutants’ starting XI but was forced out of the game just after the half-hour mark.
The 38-year-old came off in the 32nd minute after suffering a muscle injury, which he had tried to play through.
The former Arsenal man cut a visibly dejected figure as he made his way off the pitch.
News of Luiz’s unfortunate injury in his return to Europe‘s elite club competition spread quickly on social media.
Although several footie fans were more amazed to learn that the veteran defender was still playing.
On wrote on X: “Am I watching David Luiz playing in the UCL in 25/26? WTF?”
Another said: “David Luiz, who I only just learned has signed for Champions League debutants Pafos, has gone off injured in today’s #UCL match against Olympiacos.“
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GETTYDavid Luiz lifted the Champions League trophy with Chelsea in the 2011/12 season[/caption]
And another said: “Props to David Luiz and his determination not to go home and be a family man.
“At 38 years of age, my man is playing in Cyprus.”
Luiz’s short-lived outing against Olympiacos was his first UCL appearance since November 2017, when he was in his second stint at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues, who were then managed by Antonio Conte, ran out 4-0 winners over Qarabag.
Luiz has made 54 appearances in the Champions League in his career during spells with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Pafos, scoring seven goals and providing one assist.
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