Les Phoceens have attained the services of the 22-year-old from Coritiba, after paying an undisclosed amount of fee for his signature

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The Ligue 1 outfit have answered their defensive crisis by snapping up the highly-rated centre-back from the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club.

Lucas Mendes remains an unknown name in France, but Marseille are certain that the defender would fit in well with the Rhone giants.

The Brazilian is confident that he can survive in French league. After putting pen to paper on a Marseille contract, the 22-year-old revealed that the opportunity to play in Europe and for a club like Olympique de Marseille was too hard to resist.

While talking to reporters, the centre-back stated that he is both excited and sad about this latest move in his career.

Lucas Mendes, a product of the Coxa youth system, added that it’s a dream come true for him and he is looking forward to play football in Europe. However, at the same time, the Brazilian is sad to leave his boyhood club.

“It is a moment that every athlete hopes for, but it hurts the heart,” Lucas revealed in a statement on Coritiba’s official website.

When asked about the main reason behind his decision to move to France, the 22-year-old stated that he always wanted to play abroad, in a more competitive league. And a chance to play alongside some of the best players in the world excites the youngster.

“It was my desire. I always wanted to go overseas, to play in a competitive league and with great stars.”

Lucas Mendes, who has made over 139 appearances for the Brazilian club, stated that it was a tough decision to take. After spending much of his life with Coritiba, it was really hard for the 22-year-old to move abroad.

Les Phoceens’ latest acquisition added that Glorioso will always be in his heart, but is now looking forward to make his mark in Ligue 1.

“But I have spent much of my life here, with Coxa, a club that I always supported and really respected.”

His arrival at Stade Velodrome would be warmly welcomed by coach, Elie Baup, who was in dire need of a defender after seeing some of his key players leave this season.

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