Chelsea defender David Luiz insists travel can be no excuse after their Champions League defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk.

Luiz admits the travelling takes its toll, but points out is par for the course for an elite footballer.

"This is the life of a professional player, especially when you are in an international team. It is the top level and you have to be happy with it but you need to rest a lot to play well in all the games," Luiz told chelseafc.com.

"Sometimes it is difficult but I am only 25 years old, so I can do it. I sleep a lot when we travel, and I rest between matches when I am at home.

"The legs can be heavy sometimes, and it can be difficult when you are playing against fresh players at the very top, so of course you have to rest in your free time.

"Then, when the game comes the excitement of it and the adrenalin help you to come through, and you can still focus on the matches, even though it is physically hard, especially in the Premier League. Now I can control myself better than before, I am more mature and it doesn't affect me in the games."