Lucas Moura: Zidane is the king of football

The Paris Saint-Germain star says he always wanted to be like the France and Real Madrid legend and that being able to meet him was a “dream”

Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lucas Moura says former Real Madrid and France star Zinedine Zidane is the “king of football”.

The 42-year-old won the World Cup and European Championship with his country, two Serie As during his time at Juventus and one Liga and Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu, being honoured with the 1998 Ballon d’Or.

And the Brazil winger says that having the opportunity to meet Zidane was a “dream” for him.

“Zidane is my idol,” the 22-year-old told BeIn Sports.

“He is the king of football. I always wanted to be like him. Meeting him was a dream.”

The star also talked about his progression as a footballer during his short time under Carlo Ancelotti, while the Italian was at the helm in the French capital in 2013.

“Ancelotti is a great coach. I learned a lot with him,” he added.

“I always try to improve myself. I try all the time to accelerate, causing the opponent [problems] and creating chances,” he continued.

“That’s my goal. This year I have more confidence and I am well-suited [to the PSG system].

“On the pitch I have more space to express myself, which was not the case with Ancelotti.

“I’m only 22 years old. I still have a lot to learn.”

The former Sao Paulo man also talked about his delight at being able to play alongside countrymen Thiago Silva and David Luiz at club level.

“Thiago Silva and David Luiz are great players,” he went on. “We, the midfielders or strikers, we feel they reassure us. They are also great friends.

“Thiago Silva is a player who plays with his heart. He is a great captain and above all a great friend. He is one of the greatest defenders I have ever seen. I learn a lot [playing] with him.

The winger also talked about his nation’s 7-1 defeat at the hands of Germany in the World Cup this summer – for which he was not selected.

“The defeat of Brazil in the World Cup was very hard,” he added.

“It was a nightmare. In addition, it was at home. I felt [the pain of the team] because I had been part of that group… But that’s life and that’s football.”

Finally, the midfielder talked about his future in the French capital, saying he is happy and not looking to move elsewhere any time soon.

“I was not contacted this summer [by other clubs]. Transfer rumours are normal in football. But my goal is to be here. I love this city and I love this club. I want to stay here a long time.”

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