CHELSEA manager Roberto Di Matteo was clear yesterday that there is no possibility of David Luiz being sold to Barcelona despite recent reports that a €37 million bid would be made. Di Matteo says his player is not available at any price.
While this manager is not usually the type to issue edicts, he still made his position very clear.
“He is part of our long-term future,” Di Matteo said. “It’s normal he gets interest because he is a Brazilian international but we have three internationals for that position and it’s great. We need to have that for a club like us.”
Despite a recent knee problem, Luiz is expected to face Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge today as John Terry has a neck injury.
Di Matteo must be seen, at the very least, as an adaptable manager.
Having been promoted from within after the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas, Chelsea’s European Cup triumph answered more questions than any job interview ever could. Success in the FA Cup final had done no harm either.
His reward has come in the resources allocated to him. Chelsea have been the heaviest spenders in England this summer, with an outlay of some €100 million on Eden Hazard, Oscar, Marko Marin and, now, Cesar Azpilicueta, a member of the Spain Olympic squad, who has arrived from Marseille.
It is understandable that the manager should suggest that there will be no further additions for the moment, although an €11 million deal for Victor Moses is expected to go through shortly.
