Lucas arrives at PSG aiming for the title of best in the world.
The young striker, who came up through São Paulo's youth system, was signed for €40 million (R$108 million), the biggest transfer ever in Brazilian football. He has already started training with the French club.
Fifa.com - New year, new life and new club for Lucas. The player landed in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday. On Monday, he underwent medical exams. This Tuesday, at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, he was officially presented as a Paris Saint-Germain player.
The young striker, who came up through São Paulo's youth system, was signed for €40 million, equivalent to R$108 million, in the biggest transfer ever made in Brazilian football. With a contract until 2017, the player spoke about his expectations of being used by coach Carlo Ancelotti and the influence that director Leonardo had on the transfer.
"I'm happy to know that the coach is counting on me. Football is my life and I will do everything to achieve our goal. I'm trying to improve at my new club, after having given everything for São Paulo. PSG is a great club. This is a great challenge that awaits me here, and Leonardo helped me make this decision," said the former São Paulo player.
"PSG is evolving and has a long tradition with Brazilian players. I hope I can write a new page in that history. I will join great players and fight for the goal of becoming number one," he concluded.
In the presentation, in addition to Lucas, Leonardo and the club president also spoke about what they expect from the Brazilian player on the team and their expectations for PSG in 2013. "I hope Lucas has every success with Paris Saint-Germain in the French Championship and in international competitions. I want to thank Leonardo, Jean-Claude Blanc and all the club leadership, because it wasn't easy to sign Lucas. PSG will build a team to be among the best in Europe and the world," stated president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
With his profile already featured on the French team's website, Lucas still doesn't have a defined shirt number, which should be chosen at the end of the transfer window. "Lucas doesn't have a definitive number yet because we are waiting to see how the market will evolve. Soon, he will play with the number 29, but it won't be his final number," stated Leonardo, PSG's sporting director.
Lucas began training with the squad on Tuesday afternoon and could make his debut for the club as early as Wednesday in a friendly against Lekhwiya in Doha. In terms of official matches, the French team's next challenge is on January 20th against Bordeaux in the French Championship.