David Luiz signs for Flamengo on a free transfer after ex-Chelsea centre-back’s Arsenal contract expired in June

FORMER Chelsea and Arsenal centre-back David Luiz has signed for Flamengo on a free transfer.

The 34-year-old left the Gunners after his deal expired in June and has now linked up with the Brazilian giants.

David Luiz has signed for Flamengo on a free transfer

Luiz has signed a contract until December 2022. He will wear the No 23.

Flamengo tweeted: "Born in Diadema, he traveled the world and got used to winning, winning and winning, just like our anthem says.

"The people cried out, the heart shook and now he will wear red and black.

"Biggest fans in the world.

"@DavidLuiz_4 is the new player of Mengão! Welcome! #DavidLuizNoMengo."

The 57-cap Brazil international could have joined former Arsenal team-mates Matteo Guendouzi and William Saliba at Marseille.

🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/4makzW4nBJ

— David Luiz (@DavidLuiz_4) September 11, 2021

And he also turned down Serie A new boys Salernitana, according to French outlet Le10Sport.

Lazio, managed by ex-Chelsea chief Maurizio Sarri, were also said to be keen.

But Luiz believed now is the right stage in his career to head back to Brazil, where he launched his career with Vitoria in 2006.

Benfica loaned then permanently signed him the following year, before he switched to Chelsea in 2011.

But after a decade at the top in European football - including a two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain - Luiz faced a fresh start this summer.

He insisted his Gunners exit was a mutual decision at the end of his two-year contract on £100,000-a-week.

In came £50million Ben White from Brighton and Bologna's Japan hero Takehiro Tomiyasu as Arteta tackled his backline problems.

Seja bem-vindo, @DavidLuiz_4! Que você tenha muito sucesso com o Manto Sagrado! 💪❤️🖤 #DavidLuizNoMengo pic.twitter.com/x0ygBNtZAF

— Flamengo (@Flamengo) September 11, 2021

And now Flamengo have won the race for Luiz's signature.

Despite sitting only fifth in the Brazilian top flight, they convinced him of their longer-term ambitions.

He follows former team-mate Willian back to Brazil, who returned to boyhood club Corinthians last month.