Chelsea left-back Filipe Luis has revealed that he played as an attacking midfielder until he reached the age of 17
The Brazilian had spent his formative years playing as a No. 10 before his manager at Figueirense dispensed some advice which would eventually allow him to become a household name in Europe.
Luis, in an exclusive interview with Chelsea’s official website, says his former coach told him he had the talent to play from left-back because of his ability to bring the ball out from the back.
Asked if he had always played at left-back, Luis replied: “No, I started out as an attacking midfielder,
“I used to play in Oscar’s position until I was 17. I made my debut in that position and the manager then came to me and told me I should be a left-back, because I had the qualities to build the game out from the back.
“There weren’t a great deal of talented left-backs around at that time, so he felt I would have a better chance of having a career in the game playing there.”
That one piece of career advice allowed Luis to secure a dream move to Europe with Deportivo, who he signed for on a permanent basis in 2008 following a loan spell.
The 29-year-old would seal a move to Atletico Madrid two years later and go on to enjoy huge success at the Vicente Calderon.
Luis played a huge role in helping Atleti win their first La Liga title since 1996 last season, while his steady performances at the back also helped the Spanish outfit reach the Champions League final.
Despite his immense quality, Luis has struggled to displace Cesar Azpilicueta as Chelsea’s first-choice right-back following his £15.8 million summer transfer.
And with the situation unlikely to change, speculation suggesting Luis is keen to return to Spain will continue to intensify over the coming weeks and months.
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