Lucas Beraldo: 'I am ready for this new challenge'
The new Paris Saint-Germain defender gave his first interview to the club's media. The opportunity for the young recruit to evoke his delight at having signed for the club from the capital.
WELCOME Lucas, HOW ARE YOU FEELING TODAY?
"I feel very good with everyone who has welcomed me to the club in the best possible way, both the players as well as the staff. I am ready for this new challenge."
CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT Paris Saint-Germain?
"In Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain is a very famous club. And I don't think it's just in Brazil, because in France, it's the most successful club and has demonstrated that in recent years. I believe that this fact heavily influenced my decision to come to the biggest French club, not just to be an additional player, but to be able to contribute something else to the team so that we can continue winning titles."
At 20 years old, it's your first time outside of brazil. How are you feeling?
"I'm very happy. I don't think I've realised yet that I have joined this very, very big club. But as I've already said, I'm very motivated to win trophies in this shirt."
SO YOU ARE READY FOR THIS NEW EXPERIENCE?
"I think so. I feel very well prepared. I spoke to the coach before, and he also gave me a lot of confidence, which I believe was important for me. It's a good thing to have Marquinhos as a partner in central defence. I also think that can help me a lot because he speaks the same language as me. It's a big step forward in my career."
DID Marquinhos being at the club have an impact on your choice?
"I think so, yes. I had already given interviews in Brazil saying that I dreamed of playing alongside him. At that time, I imagined playing with him for the Brazilian national team, but God gave me the opportunity to play alongside him every day at Paris Saint-Germain. I think that weighed heavily in my decision."
YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS A STRONG CONNECTION BETWEEN BRAZIL AND Paris Saint-Germain?
"Yes, there have been many Brazilian players who have worn this shirt and have played an important role, like Marquinhos, who is now the captain, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, and all the others. The best Brazilian centre backs have played here, and I think that played a role in my decision to join."
DID LUIS ENRIQUE'S PHILOSoPHY APPEAL To you?
"Yes, I really identified with his style of play, the way he looks to play the game and always keep possession of the ball. That's how I like to play, that's how I have fun and enjoy myself on the pitch. I think that also played an important role in my decision, as well as the presence of young players and the emphasis the coach places on them."
WHAT DO YOU THINK THAt thiS nEW EXPERIENCE can BRING TO YOU?
"Having great players training with me every day will allow me to grow a lot, not just as a player but also as a person, living in another city, in another country. And I think that's the most important thing: wanting to learn all the time, not just on the pitch, but also off it. Personally, I think I can bring my technical quality to the team."
YOU WILL GET A CHANCE TO DISCOVER THE Parc des Princes, THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE…
"Hearing the Champions League hymn has always been a dream of mine since I was a child, and now it's becoming a reality. I can't even explain it. As for the Parc des Princes, I know it because I came here once. My brother lived in Paris, so we went to see a Paris Saint-Germain match. There's actually a photo, although I looked a bit different then. It was the first time I set foot in the Parc des Princes."