Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura was the only Brazilian interviewed by Esporte Interativo after Spurs’ 1-0 win over Manchester City on Tuesday night.
The 26-year-old, who replaced Harry Kane, was happy to have helped the team in such a big game.
“Very happy with the victory, with the performance,” Lucas Moura told Esporte Interativo. “Very complicated game. We faced one of the favourites in the competition. But we knew that in our house, with the quality that we have, we become very strong.”
Asked if Heung-min Son can already be considered the ‘owner’ of the new stadium, Lucas agrees: “(Laughs) It’s true. Son is being awarded, crowned by the work, by the commitment, by the quality he has too, that’s much deserved.”
The Brazilian talked a little more about the new stadium, as beating Manchester City in the Champions League meant a lot more than beating Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
“Now we are really home. And want it or not, we also have quality. A team that is very well set up, a coach who has been here a long time, a team that has been playing together for a long time. And the stadium, let’s say, that was the icing on the cake. We were anxious to get to know our house, our neighbourhood. The crowd plays together. I think that also makes the difference.”
Lucas was also asked about the possibility of replacing Harry Kane in the second leg. Even though he claims to be ready if needed, he believes the striker will do everything to be fit in a week.
“Of course I didn’t want to get on after a situation with a teammate injured. But we have to always be prepared to enter. Football is like this. We never know when the opportunity will appear, so when it does, we have to be prepared.
“But knowing Harry Kane, he will do everything, will start to treat now, to be fit for the next game. I hope it hasn’t been anything serious, the fans are waiting for the fast recovery. But if he’s not fit to play, I think the squad has players who can come in, help. And me, as I always say, I am prepared to help, to give my maximum, for the best of the team.”
