David Luiz's new life with Pafos,before he prepares to return to Stamford Bridge

David Luiz's footballing adventure will take him back to Stamford Bridge tonight in the Champions League

He may be nearing 40 years of age but David Luiz remains a key player for a Champions League club. The former Brazil international has enjoyed a 20-year footballing career spanning five countries with his latest adventure taking him to Cyprus with Cypriot First Division side Pafos.

The defender signed for the club last August in a two-year deal following a brief stint with Fortaleza back in Brazil. Having spent the last four years in his native country, Luiz's return to Europe was a surprise to many, especially at his age of 38.

Alongside his decision to return to Europe, Luiz is set for a reunion with Pafos set to travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Brazilian spent six years with the west London club across two stints and established himself as a fan favourite, even with his future move to rivals Arsenal in 2019.

In his debut season at Pafos, Luiz has made 20 appearances, including in all six of their European matches while starting and having played every minute of their last four games in the competition.

After he was suspended for Pafos' league clash against Omonia Aradippou last week, he returned to action on Saturday, playing 12 minutes in a 2-0 loss against Olympiakos Nicosia.

However, an on-pitch reunion against the Blues could be in danger with reports in Cypriot press suggesting he'll have to face a late fitness test due to injury worries. While Luiz may not be on the same wages he earned at the likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, his reported net worth of £14.8million ($20m) suggests he's more than financially well off.

With his staggering wealth has come tremendous success in the sport, with Luiz's stack of honours including the Champions League, the Europa League twice and the Premier League title.

In what will be his first time returning to the Bridge since January 2020, Luiz previously opened up about his decision to sign for Pafos. Speaking to BBC Sport last September, he said: "I was in talks with Pafos and I said it's the right moment to go to a new challenge.

"I'm very happy to be here, nobody expected us to be in the Champions League this season and everything has happened because of the work [we've done]. The club has been working hard for many many years, the coach, staff and all the players are doing amazing every single day."

Luiz was an integral part of Chelsea's Champions League triumph in 2012 and he revealed the state of his fitness coming into the final against Bayern Munich. He added: "For me it was a special night, not just because of the title but how it was because nobody expected us to be in that final.

"I think that year everybody was expecting it to be Barcelona vs Real Madrid and we beat Barcelona and Bayern beat Madrid and on the day of the final, I was supposed to not play because of my hamstring injury.

"Not many people know about that, I went to the pitch, I played 120 minutes and scored a penalty with a hamstring that still today has a big scar, it's a mark that I'll never forget.