Lucas: 'Paris will be in my heart for the rest of my life'
Following his recent return to the Brazil national squad to face Willian Pacho's Ecuador in the early hours of Saturday morning, the former Parisian (2013-2018) gave an exclusive interview to PSG TV. He reflects on his latest news and the memories he has from his significant time with the club from the capital.
Lucas, it’s a pleasure to see you. How has everything been going since your return to São Paulo?
“I’m very happy. It’s my country. I’m with my family and friends. São Paulo is the club I love, the club that developed me. So I’m very happy to be here. In Brazil, we play a lot of matches and travel a lot. But I’m glad to be here in my country after 10 years in Europe, and I’m enjoying it.”
What memories do you keep from your arrival in Paris?
“I remember it very well, it’s incredible how quickly time passes. It was in 2013 and everything was different for me. I was 19 at the time… It was a new adventure, a new country, a new league and discovering the Champions League. But I was living out a dream.”
You arrived into a team with some great players, how did you feel at that moment in time?
“It was simply magnificent. I arrived and met Zlatan, Thiago Silva, Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti… I told myself that I was part of this group and that it was something extraordinary. I won a lot of titles and experienced incredible moments that I will keep in my heart for the rest of my life.”
How did you adapt to life in Paris?
“Everything went well and very quickly. The Brazilians who were there at the time helped me a lot. That was important. And then everyone at the club and the supporters… They all helped me a lot to allow me to settle in quickly”
Is there a goal or a move that frequently comes to mind for you?
“Yes, I scored some great goals. I remember one at Saint-Étienne, there was that move against Marseille, and then the match at Arsenal in the Champions League. I have many fond memories."
With over 200 matches and 50 goals to your name, are you aware of your status as an idol in Paris?
"It's hard to think like that. Everything happened so quickly in the end, five exceptional seasons... I know that I am part of the history of a club like Paris Saint-Germain. That's already a very beautiful gift for me. Great players have played in Paris and I'm part of that history. I've won many titles, I've scored goals and I'm very proud of it."
Do you still follow PSG's results?
"I still have a lot of friends there, and I try to watch the matches, but it's not easy because of the time difference. However, whenever I can, I watch the games and support my friends and my club."