I didn't regret leaving Chelsea but I had to say sorry after breaking my promise

A former Chelsea player explained his reasons for leaving and rejoining the club

David Luiz returned to Chelsea despite breaking a promise he made to the club while playing for Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian defender featured in Premier League and Champions League-winning sides during his two stints at Stamford Bridge, totalling 248 appearances for the Blues.

Luiz arrived from Benfica in January 2011 and swiftly won over supporters as he contributed to FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League triumphs. His impressive displays prompted a £50million transfer to PSG in 2014, setting a world-record fee for a defender at the time.

The centre-half faced his former employers in the Champions League last 16 during his first year in Paris. The two teams are scheduled to meet in the same phase of the competition on Wednesday, with Liam Rosenior's side travelling to the Parc des Princes for the first leg.

During his visit to Stamford Bridge in March 2015, Luiz netted a late equaliser to force extra time, with PSG progressing on away goals thanks to future Chelsea player Thiago Silva. However, Luiz expressed regret after breaking his vow by celebrating his vital goal.

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"Tonight was good for me to score," he admitted. "I said I wouldn't celebrate but my emotions I couldn't control. Thank you to Chelsea and sorry I celebrated because I was so emotional."

Despite retaining affection for Chelsea, the Brazil international had previously stated he departed at the optimal moment. Speaking about his transfer to PSG, he admitted to declining a new deal to join Laurent Blanc's side.

"Chelsea offered me a new contract to stay but it was my choice to come here," Luiz explained in October 2014. "I was happy with the plan PSG offered to me and I think it was exactly the right moment to move.

"I was so happy at Chelsea – I won two titles, I won another title for the FA Cup, so it was great for me. I'm a lucky guy. I was playing for a big club in Chelsea and now I've got another opportunity to play for a big club."

Luiz secured an impressive eight honours during his two-year spell with PSG before making a heartfelt return to Chelsea in 2016, explaining that unfinished business in the Premier League had been a major factor in his decision. The new £34million centre-half realised his goal of capturing the league title in his first season back at Stamford Bridge as Antonio Conte's squad stormed to glory.

"I had already won several titles with Chelsea, played my part in a beautiful period in the club's history and made so many friends," Luiz told FourFourTwo magazine in May 2017. "I thought it was time to move on, so I had no regrets.

"But things change quickly in football. Winning the Premier League has always been an obsession of mine. We've worked hard to make this dream come true."

The 38-year-old stayed with Chelsea for another two seasons before joining Arsenal in 2019. In January, he faced the Blues with Cypriot side Pafos, who finished 26th in the Champions League group stage, falling just short of progressing to the play-off round.