‘I was only two but I know all about it’

Lucas Moura is relishing the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Brazilian footballing royalty during our USA Tour.

The second of our high-profile International Champions Cup (ICC) matches in the States is against Barcelona at the famous Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, Los Angeles on Saturday night (kick-off 8.05pm local/4.05am Sunday UK).

It’s the home of Brazil’s World Cup Final victory against Italy in 1994 where the likes of Romario and Bebeto led the Canarinha to a fourth title. The final went to a penalty shoot-out in front of 94,184 at this huge sporting venue – Roberto Baggio skied his effort as Brazil won 3-2 on penalties.

Born in Sao Paulo in 1992, Lucas is too young to remember that World Cup but he knows all about the players that followed in the footsteps of Pele, Garrincha, Gerson and Carlos Alberto to claim that famous gold trophy.

“I was only two years old! Too young but of course I know all about that team and that squad – Romario, Bebeto, Dunga, Leonardo, Cafu – a famous Brazil team. It’s a great opportunity to play at a stadium where Brazil has such big history. I hope one day to make history also.”

We kicked-off our 2018 Tour with a 4-1 win against AS Roma in San Diego on Wednesday night and finish with another Italian test against AC Milan in Minneapolis on Tuesday 31 July (7.35pm local/1.35am Wednesday UK).

Lucas, 25, arrived from PSG in January and sees our time Stateside as the perfect opportunity to get to know his team-mates even better.

“It’s good to be with the players, to be closer and get to know everyone,” he added. “I’m so happy to be here. I’m so reserved, a little shy, but this Club is so good for me. I want to enjoy this opportunity.”