Brazil international claims he rejected Barca move.
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Chelsea defender David Luiz has revealed he had a formal offer from Barcelona this summer, but that he turned it down to stay at Stamford Bridge, according to Sky Sports.
The 26-year-old’s future came under some speculation when it was thought that Jose Mourinho might be willing to let him leave, with the manager eyeing up Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala as a possible replacement.
However, the club were later reported to have rejected big-money offers from Barcelona for Luiz, as the Portuguese coach decided against making any changes to his back four.
Barcelona, on the other hand, were desperate to sign a new centre-back this summer, and the club have come under some criticism for failing to do so, with concerns over the capability of current first-choice partnership Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique.
The Catalan giants were also said to be interested in Mangala as an option, as well as Liverpool stopper Daniel Agger, though he also appeared to reject a move to the Nou Camp due to his love for Liverpool.
Speaking about Barcelona’s interest, Luiz said: “There was an official offer [from Barcelona], but I decided to stay at Chelsea,”
“I am happy to play for a big club and be in the national team to represent my country.”
Luiz has been an impressive performer for Chelsea since joining the club from Benfica in 2011, and has become something of a fans’ favourite for his gung-ho approach from the back.