Lucas: "I’m happy to be back, I miss football"

Twelve pre-seasons and counting, and the effervescent Lucas Moura is ready to rumble again!

It’s unlikely the rigours of football’s summer season will ever dampen the Brazilian’s spirit as he reported with the rest of the available squad for pre-season this week.

Now 28, Lucas began his career at home-city club Sao Paulo in Brazil back in 2010. His performances earned a call into Brazil’s senior international squad within a year and a move to Europe in 2013. He’s been here since then, signing for Spurs in January, 2018 after a five-year stint at PSG in France.

He’s been a key figure since fully settling into the squad in the 2018/19 campaign - featuring in 146 of our 168 matches in all competitions over the last three seasons.

“I think this is pre-season number 12!” smiled Lucas at Hotspur Way this week. “I’m happy to be back, I miss football. It’s always a new challenge when you have a new coach, that gives us all motivation.”

Lucas was asked if, while on his summer break, he was a player who counted the days down to pre-season or just dreaded that return date!

That smile returned again. “You know what? It’s always difficult to think about pre-season because we know we have to do a lot of physical work, and the start of the season is still a while away, but at the same time we’re excited to see our team-mates and train together again. So, when I’m on holiday, I try to enjoy time with my family and friends, enjoy time to rest, but I also think about pre-season and even the pre-season matches. I feel good, I feel positive for the season, so let’s go!”