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David Luiz explains Arsenal exit & why he won’t join Messi in Ligue 1

David Luiz, Lionel Messi
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The Brazilian has explained his reasons for leaving Arsenal this summer and why he turned down the chance to join Messi in Ligue 1.

David Luiz has suggested Arsenal’s plans for the future do not match his own to explain his decision to part ways with the Gunners this summer.

The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain defender pulled the curtain on a two-year spell at Arsenal once his contract had expired in July, allowing him to become a free agent.

As of now, Luiz is considering his options back in his native Brazil. The 34-year-old seeks a club that can challenge for silverware, something he felt isn’t an immediate priority for Arsenal.

“Both of us decided to split,” Luiz told the Daily Mail on his Arsenal exit.

“I came for two years and the aim was to win something, which I did (the FA Cup and Community Shield). Now, I think the club has a different project for the long term. They have different ideas. My idea is to win, win, win as soon as possible.”

Why not Ligue 1?

David Luiz had a successful two-year spell for PSG between 2014-16 by winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles. He made 89 appearances across all competitions in Paris before returning to England.

The French league’s profile has recently soared since Lionel Messi joined PSG on a free transfer from Barcelona. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s mere presence could entice more players to France – except for Luiz!

“Messi is a nightmare, it is better not to play against him!” he said.

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