Wed 31 May 2023, 09:15
Tottenham HotspurIf one thing was guaranteed at Elland Road on Sunday, it was, given a chance, that Lucas Moura would wave goodbye to us all with another magic moment.
His career at Spurs has been defined by them - from his lovely first goal for us in the Premier League against Fulham at Wembley, to the crucial late equaliser against Barcelona in the Nou Camp to take us into the knockout phase of the 2018/19 Champions League, to that hat-trick at Ajax and then the first hat-trick at the new stadium.
He’s a top person, a top professional. He came here today to help us and I’m very pleased he had that special moment at the end. He deserved it
This season has been tough for everyone, including Lucas, whose playing time was restricted by an Achilles issue. That meant only 19 appearances in all competitions in 2022/23 - compared to 49, 47, 50 and 45 respectively in his previous four full campaigns - and no goals, until he stepped off the bench for his final appearance for us as we ticked into injury time against Leeds.
Four minutes later, typical Lucas, he picked the ball up on the right touchline, sped past Liam Cooper and then arced his run directly into the box, evaded three defenders and slotted home, the perfect finale.
Watch - Lucas' goal at Elland Road
“What a way to finish my adventure here,” an emotional Lucas told SPURSPLAY afterwards. “I’m very happy. In my last game (at home) last Saturday, the feeling was a bit strange because we lost, but now we won, I scored... I was looking for this goal, my first of the season! It has been a tough season, but I could score, help the team and finish my adventure here in the best way.”
Now watch from pitchside!
It was put to Lucas that in a career of moments like this, it was the perfect way to wave goodbye. “It’s true, and I will keep every moment in my heart,” he added. “It was great, special, five-and-a-half-years and I will keep everything in my heart.
“I don’t have the words to say how grateful I am to have lived this adventure, very, very special. I will miss everything every single day, it was great, but now to the next challenge. I will be back to visit, and I will keep supporting Spurs forever.”
