Lucas: "I’m so happy – and I want more!"

Lucas Moura couldn't quite find the words to describe how he felt after being told that he had been named August’s EA Sports Player of the Month.

The Brazilian has had a sublime start to the new campaign, netting three goals in as many games in the first month of the season, including a brace in our fine 3-0 win at Old Trafford.

In scooping the inaugural award of the 2018/19 season, Lucas managed to beat six players to the title, including the likes of Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso and Liverpool’s Sadio Mane.

The speedy forward is now just the fourth Brazilian to win the award since its inception in 1994 and the first since Chelsea’s David Luiz won it over seven years ago.

“It’s difficult to explain how I’m feeling at the moment,” Lucas admitted upon receiving the award. “I’m so happy because I know it’s not easy to win this trophy and it was a great month for me and also for the team.

“I don’t have much to say but thanks to God and to share this with my team-mates and with my family, and to keep working because this is only the beginning. We have a lot more in front of us so I need to keep working and doing my best.”

After helping the team pick up an important three points away at St James’ Park on the opening day of the season, Lucas scored the opener in our 3-1 win against Fulham as he curled the ball with his left foot, sweetly into the top corner – his first goal in the Premier League.

That set him on his way to produce a Man of the Match performance against Manchester United with two goals, including a superb solo effort, to seal our first win at Old Trafford since January, 2014.

“What a month! I’m so happy, so happy!” Lucas smiled. “I worked a lot and very hard for this moment and I think the team had a great month with great games.

“My first goal at Wembley in the Premier League was very nice, with my left foot. It’s not normal! It was a big moment and of course, against Manchester United, it was even more special because it’s not easy to play at Old Trafford against United and I scored two goals and we won 3-0.

“The feeling is impossible to explain because I waited a long time for this moment. I need to enjoy it but also to keep working because I believe I have much more to give and I’m sure we will have a successful season because we can, and I believe in my team-mates, I believe in this club. I want to deliver much more.”

It might have been a cautious start to life in the Premier League for Lucas after he joined us in January, but the forward feels that this award for his early-season performances will just help spur him on even further.

“For me, the Premier League is the toughest league in the world and to win a trophy like this, to be Player of the Month, it’s not easy,” the Brazilian international reflected.

“To be here now and to win this trophy gives me more motivation to keep working and to want more.”