Lucas Veríssimo, a 30-year-old center-back, is back at Santos, a club he considers his "home." Presented this Tuesday wearing jersey number 4, the player signed a contract valid for three seasons and recalled his troubled departure to Benfica in 2021, assuring that he never refused to play for the club. In a press conference, the center-back addressed the controversial episode that preceded his transfer to Portugal, denying that he asked then-coach Cuca not to be used. "Several things happened to me here in terms of proposals and unfulfilled promises. The fan needs to understand that I never asked not to play," Lucas Veríssimo stated, referring to a "misunderstanding" generated by commitments that were not honored by the management at the time. Despite receiving offers from other clubs, the player justified his choice by the strong emotional bond with Santos. "It's my home. My children were born here, I grew up here. We have a history, and I want to continue it with titles," declared the defender. To secure the player's return, Santos invested four million euros for 70% of the economic rights, which belonged to Al Duhail from Qatar. The payment will be made over four years, with the first installment scheduled for December. Lucas Veríssimo was currently on loan to Al Wakrah, also from Qatar. "I can tell the fans that I am the same athlete as before, but more experienced and dedicated. I am ready. I am in shape. There was a war, a long pause, where I continued to work. If it depends on will, I am very motivated," promised the player. Lucas Veríssimo arrives from Qatari football, where he represented Al Duhail, although he was on loan to Al-Wakrah. The player revealed that the suspension of competitions due to the war in the region forced him to train alone at home in Doha until he returned to Brazil. "We went through complicated, difficult days. An unusual situation that I wouldn't wish on anyone," he confessed, adding that the conflict was "one more reason" to want to return. Back at Santos, the player expressed his happiness to return to a club where he has his roots and where he intends to help the team fight for titles again. The athlete also highlighted the importance of being with his family, safe, after the war period he experienced. "I am very happy to be back home. We have roots here. My children were born here, the grandparents are here. It's very good," he stated, revealing that the desire to return increased after the war. "I want to recreate everything I did before and be happy here like I was before. I am very happy to be here with my family, safe, and at Santos," he added. The main objective in his career at this moment is clear: "First is to play for Santos, perform well, and then things will happen. We have to think about helping Santos." The player recalled the times when the club fought for trophies and expressed the desire to see the team back at that level. "Santos has come from years where it hasn't been doing so well and is not used to it. When I was here in previous years, Santos always fought for titles. I think that's it, to fight up there again, and things will happen." Regarding his physical condition, the athlete assured that he is at the same level or even better than before a ligament injury he suffered in the past, despite the lack of minutes at Benfica. "I couldn't get many minutes at Benfica, but I came back well, and since then, physically, if I'm not better, I'm at the same level," he guaranteed, explaining that the injury motivated him to work to return stronger. The player also compared the different styles of football he experienced, describing football in Portugal as very tactical, that of Qatar as focused on counter-attacks, and Brazilian football as "well played," as long as the pitch conditions allow. "I think each one has its profile. I was at a big club in Portugal. Smaller teams played defensively, and we only attacked. Against big teams, the posture changed. In Portugal, it's like that. In Qatar, it's more counter-attack and running. Brazilian football is well played if the pitch is good. Vila Belmiro had a pitch in conditions I've never seen here. That's an essential point in football," he emphasized. Finally, he left a message to the young talents of the club, praising their mentality and advising them to stay focused. "I have already trained with them. I see they have a good mindset. That's the main thing. Be patient, work hard, and be resilient. The message is to keep working because when the opportunity arises, they will seize it because they are brilliant defenders."
Benfica Al Duhail remains central to this story.
Benfica Al Duhail remains central to this story.
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