David Luiz’s decision to go against Frank Lampard’s tactics at Chelsea was reportedly the deciding factor in his move away from the club.
The Brazilian defender completed a dramatic transfer to the Emirates after it became clear he would no longer be guranteed regular first-team football at Stamford Bridge.
In a report from The Athletic, which has circulated around social media, more light has been shed on his departure.
Lampard was also annoyed about the 32-year-old delivering too many long balls from deep when the game plan he wants to instil is to play out from the back. According to one insider, words were exchanged between them afterwards.
A number of Chelsea fans have been quick to revel in his move to Arsenal, showing he is clearly not missed at Stamford Bridge.
@MooseBurden thinks Frank made the right call, “Id say in a way it shows frank aint here to mess about.”
For some fans like @CFCProperChels, this revelation came as no surprise, they tweeted: “I’m not [surprised]” – in response to another supporter.
@Tarallo_ thinks Lampard made the right call, saying: “Not surprised at all. Lampard shared plenty of dressing rooms with Luiz. He knew he was an “influencer” and a potential bad apple. Chopped off the head. Good move by Frank. Problem solved.”
@RdmGough think the club have seen this before, tweeting about Luiz’s time under Conte: “Nothing new there then. According to reports he tried to undermine Conte during the Roma (a) CL tie. Probably a nice enough bloke off the pitch but a disruptive element on it & in the dressing room!”
Some were just happy to see him go, as @DigiMatt tweeted: “Good riddance then. Club > Manager > Player.”
Read Arsenal verdict
While there will no doubt be more to this story, Frank Lampard wasted no time in making a big decision to move Luiz on.
It is telling that Chelsea were so willing to allow Luiz to join Arsenal, a top-four rival, at a time when the Blues are unable to go into the market and sign a replacement.
This either suggests that the Blues could have been very unhappy with the Brazilian’s attitude or just particularly confident about the younger players that they have to call upon this season.
Arsenal fans wil be hoping it is more of the latter.
Luiz was signed to be a leader at the back for the Gunners and that is something that they have been crying out for some time. The last thing Unai Emery will want to deal with is problems within the dressing room.
