Tall and strong in midfield, Lucas Evangelista’s progression has been quicker than any of the other Desportivo Brasil youngsters linked with Manchester United.
- Read an interview with Lucas’ colleague Aguilar
- Read more on the Manchester United/Desportivo tie-up
Indeed, a composed showing at the Copa São Paulo against players often eighteen months older led to significant interest arising from Fluminense regarding the player’s future.
Just 17, Lucas Evangelista is still a few years away from the Manchester United first-team, with himself and the other prospects expected to follow the older Gladstony to FC Twente on-loan, before moving to the UK later on.
Rumours of Lucas, or any other of the Desportivo youngsters, having signed deals with Manchester United are premature, but with a first-option agreement in-place the Old Trafford side have a set-fee agreed for any of those who progress well in the coming years.
How did you end up at São Paulo?
I started playing at eight years old in a metalworkers’ school in Limeiro. At nine, I was then invited for a trial at São Paulo, because I had starred in a tournament for older players, but I ended up not going. When I was 11 years old, I got another opportunity with São Paulo and ended up working there, thank God. As I was very young, I could not stay in Cotia (São Paulo’s training centre) and therefore trained from Monday to Friday, only going there in a car with a friend who also played there and was better off than me. I did this for three years.
And your departure from São Paulo? What exactly happened?
When I was 14 years I could live in Cotia, but Sao Paulo said no. It was then that Desportivo appeared, welcomed me, gave me support and an opportunity. After the Votorantim Cup (2010), São Paulo came to me, offered me a nice contract and I decided to come back and sign. It was only on the eve of signing that Desportivo called me and presented a new proposal to me, where the project included Manchester United. I felt strongly about the proposal and decided to sign with Desportivo. The following week I was training in Porto Feliz.
How is it participating in this project? Have you been to Manchester?
Yes, I have been there. When I go there, I train at the training ground along with other boys from the youth teams and sometimes do some training with the professionals. The fact that I was the only person on the project selected after joining Desportivo neither advantages or disadvantages me.
How would you define yourself as a player?
I would define myself as an intelligent player. I like to dribble at speed and all the coaches I have worked with said that I am a very intense athlete. I am inspired by Ganso’s footballing vision.
Who is your idol?
My biggest idol is Ronaldo. As well as being very humble, he had several injuries and still made a comeback. Not long ago I hurt my ankle and I missed out on going on one of the trips to Manchester. That hit me hard and it was then that I realized how Ronaldo was strong outside football, as well as the magic he produced on the field.
Original interview in Portuguese can be found here – gabrielfuh.com.br
