After the 7-1 home defeat to Germany in 2014, there were few Brazilian national team players who were spared by the media and the fans.
As a leader of the generation, David Luiz was the one who got most of the blame. His disastrous performance marked him forever, and when he didn’t take the next chance at Copa America the following year, that meant the end of his international career so far.
But after a surprising move back to Chelsea, his fantastic season just can’t be ignored by Brazilians. They are all seeing how the player has evolved under Antonio Conte, and this relationship with the national team is the subject of an interview with ESPN Brasil on Wednesday. Would he return one day? He hopes so.
Speaking about the treatment he received after the World Cup, Luiz says: “No sorrow. It’s part of our profession, we are subject to this. It’s better for us to have understanding and sensitivity to understand what happened than to let the ego speak for itself. I think it’s better to have the sensitivity of wanting to learn. It’s natural. If I was on the other side as a fan, I would feel the same way. And frustration, as well as player, I felt frustrated and sad.”
Asked how much it influenced him, Luiz: “It affected me a lot. It was a boy’s dream, where you wanted to do it, especially in your country, to give joy to everyone. Unfortunately we could not.
“Of course we are affected. And of course then you have your self-analysis, your reflection, [think] what you are going to do from here to your conduct. And I decided to try, just as we died trying in that game, just as I died trying. That’s how I think of my life. I think only those who try harder get there.
“I decided to continue, as always, to learn, to grow. If one day you think you know something, that’s when you fall.”
Working with Antonio Conte has really changed things around, and the defender is pleased with the partnership: “Very happy and in tune with him to enjoy what is imposed for us in every game. He’s a very honest guy, very passionate about football. And I have admiration for people like that.”
David Luiz, who claims he still dreams of winning a World Cup for Brazil, says he’s still not done with the national team: “There are two ways for you to choose. You either surrender or you do not surrender and try to be even stronger. I think that’s what I’ve been trying to do and I do it every day. I think in life it is not just about living, it is about surviving as well.”
