David Luiz reveals he was inspired to become a football star after a stern talking to from his dad as a kid
Brazilian defender claims he owes his entire career to his father who taught him a valuable life lesson as a youngster
DAVID LUIZ has revealed he was inspired to become a football star after a stern talking to as a kid from his dad.
The Brazil defender, 30, returned to Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2016 and has enjoyed a stunning season.
With the future of John Terry up in the air all season, Luiz has been a constant in the Blues' back-line.
And he has now revealed he owes it all to his dad, after being taught a lesson on being a good person.
Speaking to the , Luiz recalled: "I remember the first time I said a bad word in front of my sister, my dad sat me down at the table.
";I had a different attitude then, not the right attitude.
"'What do you want for your life?' he asked. I said I wanted to play football.
"'No,' he said. 'First you must become a good human. I want you to become a footballer, too. But first you must be a good human, with honesty, character, dignity.'
";It was a difficult conversation, but it changed my life.
"My examples were my parents. They were not my friends like this new generation.
"If your mum and dad are your friends, the bad things you do with your friends you will do with your mum and dad.
"They were the people I listened to, who had their feet on the ground, were humble, who had a simple life.
"My life has changed a lot, but sometimes I stop and I look to my mum and dad and they're still the same people.
"It was my dad's dream to become a top professional.
"He got to the brink of the first team at Atletico Mineiro but the money was not there, so he had to take another job.
"He used to say to me, 'This is for you, it was not for me. I will live this with you.'"
Luiz also revealed he lives his life to the fullest, ensuring he plays the game with a smile on his face at every moment.
The Brazilian star added: "I think many people enjoy playing football, but they don't want to show that.
"I'm like this because I remember when I was trying to be like this.
"I'm like this because I remember when this was my dream.
"Joy is important in life, not just football. Joy is being serious and professional, too.
"Joy can be reaching your potential by training hard and being disciplined. Joy can be following the rules you need to follow.
"In Brazil they say it. Defenders must be pessimists. I cannot be that.
"I am an optimist in my life. I'm positive. I always think and dream of the best things.
"Trophies are nice, titles are nice, shining your armour is nice, but moments with people are special."