David Luiz has hailed the "real heroes" of society after being inspired by a young Chelsea fan who has cared for his father for the last four years.
Luiz presented Chelsea fan Edward Pearce with a special Carers Award at the club's training ground earlier this week in recognition of the youngster's work being the sole carer for his father Andy, who suffered a stroke, since the age of nine.
Now aged 13, Edward was chosen to win the Carers Award as part of the Life After Stroke awards ceremony, which will take place in London on Wednesday 1 November.
Chelsea invited Edward and his father to their training base in Cobham so that Luiz could present the former with his award.
And after meeting the 13-year-old, Luiz admitted it had been a "privilege" to hear Edward's moving story.
The defender said: "It was a privilege for me to present the award to such an inspirational young man.
"As footballers we get to spread a lot of happiness, but these people are the real heroes.
"Edward is an amazing person and to hear his dad speak about the help he provides was very touching. He is a very deserving winner of a special award."
After spending time with Luiz, Edward and his father Andy also got the chance to meet the rest of the first-team players and manager Antonio Conte which, for the 13-year-old, was a dream come true.
