'Optimist' David Luiz reveals why Jose Mourinho could never agree with his style of play at Chelsea

The Brazilian has changed the perception of him in England since returning to the Premier League

Luiz spent one season under Mourinho before being sold to PSG (Getty)

David Luiz has revealed it was his optimism which caused Jose Mourinho to sell him to Paris Saint-Germain back in 2014.

The Brazilian left Stamford Bridge after only one season under the Portuguese’s leadership but was brought back by Antonio Conte and has changed the perception of himself in England in doing so.

Mourinho is a defensive-minded manager and wants his back four to always worry about the worst-case scenario, rather than what will happen if everything goes right – which is the mentality of Luiz, and why he didn’t fit in at Chelsea.

“Hey, that is not just Mourinho,” Luiz told the Daily Mail. “In Brazil they say it, too. Defenders must be pessimists.

“I cannot be that. I am an optimist in my life. I'm positive. I always think and dream of the best things. But I know where I am.

“I don't want to take my small boat and go against a wave of 20 metres. Maybe I can go around the sides, and we'll arrive. I'll try to find a way.”

Luiz was re-signed on transfer deadline day last summer, to much ridicule, but has since established himself as a key cog in Conte’s back three defensive revolution, even earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year, as voted for by his fellow professionals.

“Everyone thought he was crazy when I came back,” he added. “But I know my role. Cover everybody, cover the space. It is not the best position for me with the ball.

“Before maybe I got frustrated if my team was not controlling the offensive side, and I would lose my position. I would try to do it myself, which was part of the plan in Benfica. My job was to drive the ball to the halfway line. Chelsea didn't have that plan, but sometimes I would do it anyway.

“But now, I know you cannot always play this way. If they don't want me to play football, I will find space to touch the ball and try to make the difference another way. Now I manage my game.”