David Luiz has credited Pablo Mari for the decision to sign for Flamengo.
The 34-year-old left the Gunners after two years following the conclusion of his contract in June.
Luiz, who had a mixed time at Arsenal, was often on the end of harsh criticism from fans and pundits alike during his time at the Emirates, despite some very resolute defensive displays.
However, as a serial winner in the game, he arguably could have continued to play at the highest level in Europe, but instead opted to move back to his native Brazil, largely thanks to conversations he had with his former teammate, Mari.
The 28-year-old spent one season in South American football with Flamengo and had nothing but glowing words to say about his experience.
In an interview with Fla Tv, via Caughtoffside, Luiz said: “Ever since he arrived at Arsenal, I’ve tried to build a friendship with him.
“He was delighted with Flamengo, with Rio de Janeiro, with Brazil.
“He lived his best career moments here at Flamengo.”
Arsenal have since replaced Luiz by spending £50million on a younger ball-playing centre-back in Ben White.
The Englishman has only played two games in red and white so far after contracting coronavirus in August, but fans are pleased with what they’ve seen of him so far and believe that a partnership between him and Gabriel Magalhaes could solve the Gunners’ long-term defensive woes.
That in turn does suggest that Luiz’s signing was very much a stop gap purchase, but for the most part, Arsenal fans will agree that he did justify the £8million fee the Gunners spent on him back in the summer of 2019.
