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David Luiz turned down offers from Real Madrid and the Premier League in order to return to Brazil with Flamengo, according to Globo Esporte.
Luiz spent two seasons with Arsenal in the English top-flight, where he was often controversial. He was a very good player on his day, but he was also erratic and error-prone.
The Brazilian’s contract expired at the end of the season, with the Gunners choosing not to offer him an extension. He signed a 15 month deal with Flamengo during the summer.
But according to Globo Esporte, the 34-year-old was not short of options. They claim that Real Madrid, Everton, and West Ham United were among the sides interested in his signature.
Luiz worked previously at Chelsea with Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian actually brought him to England.
The Spanish giants suffered a major blow in the centre-back position, with Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane both losing. David Alaba was a free transfer and may have been interested in more.
Luiz also played under Rafa Benitez, Everton manager, during his brief spell at Stamford Bridge. The pair won the Europa League together during the 2012/13 season.
The Toffees have had a great start to the new campaign. They won four of five games in all competitions. They have only managed one clean sheet so far. Benitez will be looking to improve on that.
West Ham are also unbeaten thus far this season. Although, like Everton, they haven’t been as defensively solid as they’d have liked.
The Hammers reportedly pursued Luiz this summer, having lost defender Fabian Balbuena. But no deal was reached, and they eventually bought Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma instead.
Globo Esporte claims former club Benfica were also interested, along with Lille, Marseille, Lazio and Al-Rayyan.
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