Arsenal has come under intense scrutiny for handing a new deal to David Luiz, despite the fact that the Brazilian has been terrible in the Gunners’ shirt.
Luiz joined Arsenal from Chelsea last summer after Frank Lampard candidly told him that he won’t be guaranteed a starting position in his team.
He was expected to become Arsenal’s new defence leader and inspire the Gunners to start doing well at the back. However, the Brazilian’s inconsistency for the team has proved uninspiring so far.
He made another poor start after football restarted when he caused two goals and got red-carded in Arsenal’s match against Manchester City.
He was then given a new deal in the next few days to the surprise of many, but it seems that the Brazilian did take a serious pay cut which allowed the Gunners to give deals to the likes of Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares as well.
The Telegraph has revealed that the Gunners were keen to keep hold of the Brazilian defender because of his experience and leadership, but they weren’t looking to still pay him the same amount he was earning when he first joined them.
It claims that the new deal was only agreed upon after the defender areed to take a significant pay cut to his former earnings.
I genuinely don’t know what to make of the extension and the reported slash in salary. On one hand, Luiz is already incredibly wealthy, but on the other, he is in the twilight of his career but was willing to stay. (At this stage it is too early to know if he could have a couple of years at another club)
I can only assume a bond between him and Arteta grew and that his future with the club lies not on the field on a regular basis but in other areas as well.
Just a few days ago it was reported that he wanted to end his playing days in Portugal, now the new contract seems to have changed his mind.
I just have to go along with all of Ma’s decisions, as I support the club 100% and any one player doesn’t change that long held view, even if I don’t like the player personally.
I hope that goes for all fans of the club of course, but sometimes I wonder.
Probably, ken, the money he will receive under his downgraded contract with Arsenal is more than he can earn in Spain.