The Brazilian flier scored the first hat-trick in our new stadium as we toppled Huddersfield 4-0 in the Premier League in April and then, just after the final whistle, enjoyed an impromptu kick about with his young son, Miguel, as fans sung ‘Ole’ to his every kick.
Now he’s back home with his team-mates for the first time since 12 May as we take on Inter in the International Champions Cup (ICC) on Sunday.
“I miss playing in our stadium,” said Lucas. “For me, it’s the best stadium I’ve played in. I’m so excited to play there again, to play well, to score goals, to make the fans happy. That’s my objective this season. I’m sure we can do it.”
Mauricio Pochettino likened our pre-season schedule to the Champions League and having faced Juventus, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Inter provide our final summer test before the start of the Premier League and Villa at home next Saturday.
“They have all been great games and now one more test to go before the start of the season,” added Lucas. “It will be tough, a good game to play to get ready. I’m looking forward it. I hope we can have a good game back in our stadium and do a good job for the fans.”
