Lucas Moura says he respects Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to not start him in the Champions League final against Liverpool, describing the loss as ‘the biggest disappointment’ of his career.
Lucas scored a memorable hat-trick for Tottenham in the semi-final stage of the competition, firing his side into the final with virtually the last kick of the game to complete a stunning comeback against Ajax.
The Brazilian was benched for last Saturday’s final in Madrid, however, named among the subs as Harry Kane returned to start his first game in almost two months.
Unable to help his side turn things around after emerging from the bench, Lucas was in tears after the final whistle.
Recalling the 2-0 defeat in the Spanish capital, he told Le Figaro: “I was very, very sad. It is normal, I wanted to win. I really thought it was possible.
“I am sad but very proud of my teammates, my team. I think we had a wonderful season. It was not easy to reach the final.”
Reacting to his manager’s decision to leave him out of the starting XI, he added: “Of course I wanted to start but it is the coach’s decision.
“He must choose a starting XI, I must respect it. Most importantly, I was ready to play. I was on the bench thinking about what I could do to help the team.
“When I entered, I tried to do the best but it was not possible. It is football, you have to respect the coach.”
