Lucas, you’re officially back at Paris Saint-Germain! What’s your first feeling?
“I’d like to thank President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Luis Campos and coach Luis Enrique. It’s a great show of confidence and I’m delighted to be back at Paris Saint-Germain. I’m also impressed. The club has changed, it’s reached another level. It’s really incredible to be back here! The Campus? Everything is in place to perform at the very highest level.”
What does your first spell at the club mean to you?
“It was a lesson in top-flight football and excellence. It shaped me as a player and as a man, I learnt a lot playing alongside players like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thiago Silva, and I won lots of trophies. It was a wonderful story, and it had to continue. I can’t wait to get to know the squad that has won two Champions Leagues!”
"I can’t wait to see Marquinhos again. We signed here at the same time, and now he’s captain and has had a brilliant journey, it’s fantastic for him!
You’ll be seeing some familiar faces again, whether it’s Marquinhos, your France teammates or Luis Enrique, your former manager. Does that make it easier to settle in?
“Yes, of course, it makes things a lot easier when you know people. I can’t wait to see Marquinhos again. We signed here at the same time, and now he’s captain and has had a brilliant journey, it’s fantastic for him! I know Luis Enrique from Barcelona, we had a very good experience together. I’m looking forward to seeing my France teammates again, but also other people I got to know during my first spell here, such as the kit men. It’s really nice and you feel at home very quickly.”
You’re coming back with more experience and a new status. What are your ambitions?
“I’m coming back as a man. I’m also a different player. I’ve gained more maturity and experience, and I want to bring that experience to the squad and win lots of trophies. This club is built to win, it’s in its DNA. This squad is extremely ambitious, it shows that year after year, and that’s why everyone wants to come and play in Paris.”
“The Parc is a magical place! Once you’ve played there, you want to go back."
You’ll also be returning to the Parc des Princes and seeing the Paris Saint-Germain fans again. Do you have a message for them?
“The Parc is a magical place! Once you’ve played there, you want to go back. When I was able to return here with Aston Villa in the Champions League, it was a magical moment. It’s a stadium that gives you goosebumps. I’d like to say a huge thank you to the fans for the support I received before I signed, and I can’t wait to join them at the Parc des Princes to celebrate lots of wins this year.”
