Lucas Moura, the 33-year-old winger for São Paulo FC who played for Paris Saint-Germain from 2013 to 2018, spoke to L’Equipe in an interview published this Wednesday. Known for his dribbling skills, enthusiasm, and close friendship with Marquinhos (the 31-year-old defender and captain), he discussed the latter’s sometimes challenging journey, as well as the jokes they played in training. He also addressed his future.
Lucas: “He deserves what’s happening to him because he fought hard, he struggled.”
Did you think he would have such a career and stay at PSG for so long?
When he arrived, he was weakened by an illness. He looked terrible (laughs). He was very young, and the competition was fierce with Thiago Silva, Alex, and then David Luiz. It was tough to get playing time. Marquinhos had to be patient; he had to work hard. I remember a time when he was really down about the situation.
I spent time cheering him up and encouraging him. He was resilient, and I’m so happy he was able to show that he’s one of the best defenders in the world. He deserves what’s happening to him because he fought, he battled, he never gave up. He’s an example for young players. Marqui, you’re a champion, my brother!
Lucas: “The guys were watching him and yelling at him.”
Thiago Silva told us in “France Football” that you liked to tease him in training…
At first, since he didn’t speak French, I would translate anything for him during drills. For example, Laurent Blanc would demand a drill with a maximum of two touches. I would tell him: “Marqui, you must only play with your left foot; or Marqui, you have to shoot on goal as soon as you can.” The guys were looking at him and yelling at him: “What are you doing?” I was dying of laughter. Maybe that’s why it took him so long to become a starter and why he learned French so quickly (he bursts out laughing). Today, he could be a teacher, he speaks it so well. He’s a very intelligent guy.
Lucas: “I see him staying in Paris for a few more years and breaking records.”
How do you see his future, given that he’s under contract until June 2028?
Even though he’s with Corinthians, he could end up with me at São Paulo FC (laughs). More seriously, he’s only 31, and in my opinion, he still has a lot to offer. He’s in top physical condition. I see him staying in Paris for a few more years and breaking records. It will depend on his state of mind and his desire to play again in Brazil, but physically he could very well take inspiration from Thiago Silva and play until he’s 40. He’s physically gifted. He’s lucky.
While we’re now used to seeing Marquinhos as PSG’s captain, with numerous titles won, including the prestigious Champions League last season, we shouldn’t forget that nothing has been easy for the Brazilian. He arrived at the club at just 19 years old, facing immense competition and a health issue that slowed him down. It must have been tough at times, with doubts about his place at the highest level in Europe (where he had played for AS Roma for a season).
Fortunately, even though he has often been criticized by observers regarding his mental strength, the defender has demonstrated that he has a certain character and the determination to succeed. All while relying on the support of his loved ones, including Lucas. He hasn’t always had it easy, but he’s always had a valuable enthusiasm. Marquinhos was able to draw on that in his fight for playing time.
We also had to put up with his jokes, funny but also potentially a bit much given the high expectations. Even so, it’s also up to the staff and teammates to understand the situation. But this might explain Marquinhos’ rapid acquisition of French, in addition to his professionalism and intelligence. His commitment to the club and the team is undeniable, hence his role as captain.
We can’t know exactly how long he’ll keep the captain’s armband, or how many more seasons he’ll play at PSG. Some see him leaving soon, downplaying his level and his role in the group, or exaggerating the effects of age, when many great players have already proven that you can perform well after the age of 32, which he’ll turn on May 14th. Especially with the management of coach Luis Enrique to allow everyone to play and to have his key players at their best for the big nights.
