Lucas Moura held a prominent position in Paris Saint-Germain’s project from 2013 to 2018, but failed to reach the expected level. The 33-year-old winger from São Paulo left at the beginning of the “second phase” of star players (Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, etc.) and was interviewed by L’Equipe on Wednesday about any regrets.
Lucas: “I think I’ve reached the end of my cycle in Paris.”
“Did you lack patience?
I don’t think so. I stayed five years and I think I reached the end of my cycle in Paris. I had long periods where I was a regular starter. I think I left at the right time. Last season, I realized I needed to look elsewhere. The club had just signed Neymar and Mbappé, and I was no longer part of their plans. I have no regrets; I’m grateful for everything I experienced there… I grew as a player, as a person, and it was a wonderful experience.
Lucas: “I was so happy for PSG, for Nasser, for the fans, and for my brother.”
Where were you when you won the Champions League?
I was at home. It was a mix of feelings. I was very happy for the club, for the fans, but on the other hand, I was a little gutted and regretted never having lifted it during my time there. It was a close call. But afterwards, when I saw Marquinhos’ joy, his relief, his happiness, it warmed my heart. I knew it was going to happen.
Winning the Champions League isn’t easy, but by constantly trying and strengthening the team, it was going to pay off. Luis Enrique built a tremendous team. I was so happy for PSG, for Nasser, for the fans, and for my brother. I’m so happy he got to represent our group, the likes of Ibrahimovic, Thiago, Alex, Maxwell…
In our desire to always look for careers that could have been different, and therefore potential regrets, we sometimes forget the context at the time of a choice and that it’s impossible to predict the future. Besides, the famous Champions League victory came well after Lucas’s departure. The years following his departure weren’t always easy.
The Brazilian, for his part, experienced some great things at Tottenham, including the Champions League final. 2018-2019 against Tottenham after scoring a hat-trick against Ajax Amsterdam in the semi-final. It’s hard to have regrets, even if his entire Premier League adventure wasn’t a success either. It’s all part of a career. Lucas didn’t really have a place in Paris anymore anyway. His departure surprised no one at the time.
He continued his journey, like PSG, with its ups and downs. Paris finally won the Champions League, a great moment for all the club’s fans. Including the Brazilian winger, who remains attached to the club and the city. There’s also the fact that he contributed to the project’s progress, which is no small thing.
