Moura aims to emulate French idols

Promising forward Lucas Moura says he idolised former France international Zinedine Zidane, despite his famous triumphs over Brazil.

Moura, 20, agreed a switch from Sao Paulo to Paris Saint-Germain in August, with the transfer to be completed in January.

Former Juventus and Real Madrid man Zidane proved a thorn in the side of the Brazilian national team during his illustrious playing career, leading France to victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final and the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, Moura has singled out the 1998 Ballon D’Or winner as one of the players he aspires to emulate.

“Zinedine Zidane was my idol,” Moura said.

“I know he’s been a bogeyman for Brazil in World Cups but he was one of the best players I have seen. I have always enjoyed watching skilful players such as Robinho, Messi, Denilson and Ronaldinho.

“Those guys had a fantastic touch and I studied them a lot so I could try to emulate some of their moves, copy some of their skills.”

Moura was rumoured to be in talks with Manchester United, but ultimately opted for PSG, agreeing a 35-million-euro deal
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“I am leaving Brazil for a great opportunity abroad offered to me by Paris Saint-Germain,” he said.

“A footballer needs to seize moments like these, you’ll never know what tomorrow is going to bring. I have goals to achieve in Europe and PSG are a big club. They made a proposal that was good to me and to Sao Paulo, especially because it allowed me to stay till the end of the Brazilian League and only move in January.

“There are a lot of Brazilian players at PSG and the club has an excellent project. These factors made me reach a decision.”

For now, Moura’s focus must remain on Sao Paulo and the semi-final second leg of the Copa Sudamericana against Universidad Catolica on Friday.