chelsea football club

David Luiz Moreira Marinho signed on transfer deadline day in January 2011 after a protracted transfer from Portuguese champions Benfica.

David Luiz signed a five-and-a-half year contract to become the third Brazilian in the current squad, linking up with former Benfica team-mateRamires and fellow central-defender Alex.

Twenty-three when he signed, David Luiz was born on April 22, 1987 in Sao Paulo and began his career with Esporte Clube Vitoria in Bahia where he made 47 appearances.

The 6ft 2in defender, who is renowned for his skill on the ball as much as his defensive ability, switched to Benfica, initially on loan in January 2007 before making the move permanent that summer.

In total he made 82 league appearances for the Lisbon club missing just one game last season as they wrapped up a first league title in five years. Uefa.com voted David Luiz the league's Player of the Year.

David Luiz, who made his Brazil debut against America last year, will not be eligible for Champions League football this season after completing all six of Benfica's group games. They finished third behind Schalke and Lyon.

He also represented his country at the 2007 Under 20 World Cup, and can cover at either left or right-back.

After signing for the Blues, David Luiz outlined his determination to nail down a regular place in the side, and took the previously unclaimed number 4 jersey, last worn by Claude Makelele.