Lucas Moura aims to emulate idol Zidane at PSG

Sao Paulo and Brazil starlet Lucas Moura is eager to seize a "great opportunity" with a January move to Paris Saint-Germain, and is hoping to emulate his boyhood idols such as Zinedine Zidane while in Europe.

Moura, 20, sealed a €35 million transfer with PSG after being pursued by some of the top clubs in the world earlier this year. With his future now settled, Moura believes he is on the path which will see his star rise further.

"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!

"I am leaving Brazil for a great opportunity abroad offered to me by Paris Saint-Germain. 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 São 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."

Meanwhile, Moura is also keen to become an integral part of the national team ahead of the 2014 World Cup, which Brazil will host.

"It means a lot to Brazilian footballers that the next World Cup will be played in our country. Being part of the team in that tournament is something I think of everyday. We grow up watching the games on telly and now there's a chance to actually play for Brazil in a World Cup.

"It's getting closer and closer but you have to prove everyday that you deserve a place in the squad. I will fight hard to be part of the team and help Brazil's quest for a sixth title. We could do it at home and in front of our supporters and that is a chance of a lifetime," he said.

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Source: ESPN