The Portuguese press loved what Lucas João did for Blackburn Rovers last weekend. After being subbed on at 59 minutes when his side were trailing 1-0, the striker scored a brace and was crucial in the 2-2 away draw.
On Tuesday, O Jogo newspaper has an interview with the player, who’s on loan from Sheffield Wednesday until the end of the season. That creates even greater interest in Portugal, where Carlos Carvalhal is a popular figure.
The 23-year-old talked about the reason he was loaned, and hopes he can keep up some good form now: “The manager gave me confidence, told me I’d score and fortunately it did happen. I hope it won’t stop here.
“That’s what characterises me. The season started badly with the injury, I’ve lost track at Sheffield Wednesday and the loan was a good decision for both parties. Now I hope to give continuity to my work until the end of the season.”
Lucas João had only played two Championship games for Blackburn since signing for the club in January, both as a late substitute.
But another appearance and the brace against Norwich City, his record now looks good: two goals in only 67 minutes.
“I was very welcomed in this historic club and they soon reminded me about the spell that Nuno Gomes had here,” he said. “The club has players with quality and I don’t know why we’re in this position. I hope we can get the permanence.”
But Lucas João’s future lies at Sheffield Wednesday, where he has a contract until 2019: “Last year, it was a close call, we didn’t get promoted. I hope it happens this season, even because I could play in the Premier League.”
