Pafos FC: Who are Champions League debutants with David Luiz in their side?

This summer, Pafos pulled off the surprise signing of defender Luiz, who at the age of 38 had been playing for Fortaleza in Brazil, after initially leaving Arsenal for Flamengo in 2021.

“He came here not only to play but develop the Pafos image, for them to become an even bigger football attraction as football destination,” said Odysseos. “It’s a PR move, mainly. Everyone has welcomed him.

“We are a country that has one million people so when you have a big star, a legend, to come here, and you see him play, you will say ‘wow, he’s here’.”

Luiz has so far made two substitute appearances in the Cypriot top flight.

He is currently involved in legal proceedings in Brazil following allegations that he threatened a woman.

Luiz posted a video on social media saying he exchanged messages with the woman, but denied threatening anyone.

His management team said the case was under “judicial confidentiality” and that his recently published video would be his only public statement on the matter.

The defender won the Champions League in 2012 with Chelsea, who will face Pafos in their seventh league phase game in January.

“I’m going to play against Chelsea with my heart totally full of energy,” he said. “Also to say thank you for everybody. But also to give my best in the pitch because also everybody wants to see that.

“So it’s going to be a moment where I’m going to be so happy and the game is going to be hard for us, for sure. Sometimes in life you just have to say thank you and enjoy it.

“Nobody expected many things for us in the Champions League, but I think we can do something special.”

“It’s going to be a big opportunity for us to show our qualities for the world.”

Additional reporting by Olly Foster and Mani Djazmi.