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Happy to play if Brazil needs me in Olympics: David Luiz

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Press Trust of India Paris
Brazilian centre back David Luiz is open to the idea of representing the national team in this year's Olympic Games at the Rio de Janeiro.

At the Olympics, football is an U23 event with three over-age players allowed to participate.

"I would wish to be one of those above 23 players if Brazil team needs an old man like me! I would be happy to help the team," the 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain stopper told PTI during an interaction after team's goalless draw against Lille in a Ligue 1 encounter.

While Luiz admitted that Real Madrid and Barcelona have been traditional favourites for continental supremacy, it is time that Paris Saint-Germain also make their presence felt in the UEFA Champions League.
 

"Barcelona and Real Madrid have always been favourites. They have been successful for the last 30-40 years. They always fight for the championship. It is time that clubs like PSG can also do it. The first match is always important and that too playing Chelsea," said Luiz.

PSG has been runaway leaders in Ligue 1 and Luiz said that the build up for the Chelsea game has been "amazing".

"It is truly amazing. It is the match everyone is talking about. It will be a completely different game from what we have been playing till now," said Luiz, who was playing for the English giants before joining PSG.

In fact, Luiz's last season in London was under Jose Mourinho, who will not be a part of the set up on Tuesday. So what's the difference between Mourinho and Laurent Blanc, Luiz carefully avoided the question in jest.

"Well, they are different coaches because they have different names," he laughed.

Luiz became a sort of a villain for the Chelsea fans for his over the top celebrations after his last minute equaliser at the Stamford Bridge that knocked the home team out of Champions League.

It was his first match at Stamford Bridge after leaving for PSG.

"I know I could not keep my emotions in check. But I have great respect for Chelsea supporters. It's a great club," said Luiz.

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First Published: Feb 14 2016 | 5:02 PM IST

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