Jean Lucas thanks Ceni after Brazil call-up dream: "He boosted me" | OneFootball

Jean Lucas did not hide his emotion when giving his first press conference for the Brazilian National Team. On Tuesday, the midfielder commented on the feeling of being integrated into the Brazil squad for the last two rounds of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

"I thank God and my club for everything. I know that the midfield of the National Team is full of good players. Being here is remarkable and rewarding. If I do well at Bahia, keep performing, things will be done," he reported.

"It's a dream, for every player. Every boy who dreams of being a player, wants to wear the shirt. It was extraordinary when he called me. I didn't even know what to do. It was a realization of everything I've been through in life. I'm here with excellent players. The Granja is spectacular and I was very well received. I'm very happy to be here," he added.

Gratitude to Ceni

The 27-year-old player also made a point of highlighting the importance of Rogério Ceni, his coach at Bahia. The athlete stated that he has changed a lot, both on and off the field, since he started working with the former goalkeeper.

"Rogério has boosted me a lot. I used to play a lot as a first or second defensive midfielder. Now I play as a midfielder, getting closer to the area. With this, I can assist and score goals. This made Ancelotti call me to the National Team. I can get well forward and return to the marking. I think that's what brought me here," he analyzed.

"Only gratitude to Rogério for everything. He was a guy who changed me a lot as a person and player, he helped me a lot in my arrival at Bahia. He called me before closing, that I would help him and he would help me. He helped me to score more goals. With this, I managed to get here. I have a lot to grow, but I only have to thank Rogério and Bahia for getting here," he added.

Historical Achievement

The call-up of Jean Lucas, who replaced the injured Joelinton, also represents a historical achievement for Bahia. For the first time since 1991, the club has a player in the Brazilian National Team.

"I know it's something very remarkable, it's a very big responsibility that I'm carrying, to represent the northeast and Bahia. I know that by doing well at Bahia I will achieve incredible feats for the Brazilian National Team," he emphasized.

Years of Learning

Revealed in Flamengo's youth categories, Jean Lucas stood out at Santos before going to Europe to defend the colors of Lyon, Brest, and Monaco. In 2023, he returned to Santos, but left through the back door after relegation to Serie B. In 2024, he then signed with Bahia, where he is in great form.

In the current season, the defensive midfielder has 41 games, being a starter in 37 of them, with six goals scored and one assist.

"These two years were crazy. I returned to Santos, things didn't happen the way I wanted. I arrived at Bahia much more mature. As a player and person. I also became a father. My wife and my parents help me a lot to be well in my head. They were two incredible years. Last year with Bahia and this year too," he recalled.

"In these two years, I grew a lot as a professional. Rogério helped me a lot. I worked outside too. I know I have a lot to evolve. I know there are players here who will also give me," he expanded.

Finally, Jean Lucas highlighted the importance of his family in this maturing process.

"My father is a guy who demands a lot from me, always gets on my case. Games that I play well, he says I did my part, doesn't give a compliment, nothing. But he's always been like that. My father is very important in my life, my mother and wife too. My wife doesn't understand anything, but says if I played well. If I'm here today, it's thanks to all of them," he concluded.

Brazil's Situation in the Qualifiers

Position in the table: 3rd place, with 25 points. The National Team is 10 points behind the leader Argentina.

16 games – ⁠7 wins, 4 draws and 5 losses / 21 goals scored and 16 conceded

Upcoming games for Brazil

Brazil x Chile (17th round of the South American Qualifiers for the World Cup) Date and time: 04/09 (Thursday), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) Location: Maracanã Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Bolivia x Brazil (18th round of the South American Qualifiers for the World Cup) Date and time: 09/09 (Tuesday), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time) Location: Municipal Stadium El Alto, in La Paz (Bolivia)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.