DAVID LUIZ has revealed how his “surviving” mantra has helped him put behind him his Etihad house of horror last month.
Arsenal’s Brazilian centre-half was sent off as Manchester City thrashed the Gunners 3-0 on June 17.
Former Chelsea defender Luiz was roundly criticised then.
But just over a month later, Luiz went from ‘sideshow Bob circus clown’ to ringmaster with a fantastic defensive display to keep Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at bay.
Luiz said: “There was a lot of criticism on me, no? You can say that.
“I think it is part of football.
“I have understood during my career that football is about surviving.
“So everyday you are going to defend your team and the other people are going to support different teams.
“It is about surviving, that is what I did.
“I worked hard every day after the mistakes, I took the blame. I was mature enough to understand that and was humbled to work more for the team.”
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck twice in the 2-0 win to send the Gunners into the FA Cup final.
But it was Luiz’ colossal performance at the back which enabled Mikel Arteta’s men to hold on for victory.
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It followed up Arsenal’s impressive defensive performance to beat champions Liverpool three days earlier.
Luiz has been the butt of jokes on social media for some time now as his rocky displays ended up contributing to Unai Emery’s sacking in November.
And Arteta’s decision to hand the £8million signing a new one-year contract last month raised many eyebrows.
But the South American has dug in and shown just how good a defender he can be on his day.
Luiz’ comeback also highlights Spaniard Arteta’s man-management skills as he refused to hang his man out to dry amid a barrage of criticism.
