Luiz not bothered by critics

Chelsea defender David Luiz has insisted he has the attitude to rise above any criticism directed at his game.

Under Andre Villas-Boas, Chelsea have struggled to find form this season and Luiz has endured blame for their shaky defensive performances.

Nevertheless, Luiz is happy with his 68 minutes against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League in midweek before succumbing to a stomach complaint.

“I was very happy; there were no important mistakes and my positional play was good,” he told Chelsea’s official website.

“People have been talking lately about crazy mistakes, but I have a strong mentality, I am a very strong guy and these type of comments don’t touch me.”

Luiz is expected to start alongside John Terry in central defence on Saturday against Wolves and the Brazilian is keen to address a poor run of form that has seen Chelsea slip 12 points behind leaders Manchester City.

“Matches in the Premier League are very physical and played at a high intensity, that is always the case,” Luiz continued.

“Every team we play wants to beat us because we are a big team. I respect Wolves, of course, but it is important for us to win the match.”

The Brazilian defender joined the Blues in January and became an immediate hit with the fans after scoring in a 2-1 win over Manchester United.

“The move was very easy for me because I have no fear,” Luiz said.

“I looked at it as a new challenge, and an opportunity for me to play in a new league, with new team-mates and under a new manager.”

“I have a great relationship with the supporters because I don’t know how to be an actor.”

“I am the same person at home as I am on the pitch; I play with my heart and I play to make my family proud.”

“From the first day I arrived here, until the day I leave, I am the same person.”