Lucas Moura was set to sign for Manchester United in the summer of 2013 but then opted to join PSG instead. The young Brazilian has reflected on what helped him make his decision.
I was very close to coming to Manchester United before I signed for PSG. It was honestly my choice to join PSG. I have all the respect for Manchester United, a great club with more tradition than Paris Saint-Germain, but I really liked the project PSG showed me. There are several Brazilians in the PSG squad which made a difference in my decision too. You know, I was quite young and it does make a difference to have some compatriots beside you. It helped me to settle down in Europe.
It’s a dream for any player having the opportunity to play in the Premier League. Everybody knows it is the most competitive league in the world. It’s really great to follow it, as you can’t predict who is going to win the trophy. You don’t see this happening in any other place with five or six teams having a real chance of being champions. Maybe one day I’ll have the privilege of playing there, but now I’m totally focused on PSG with many goals to achieve yet.
I’ve never had a club in England that I liked to follow most. If I can watch a game of the Premier League, I’ll do it regardless which clubs are on the pitch. Of course, it’s easier to watch matches from the big teams, but there’s no special club for me in England.