"2011 has been a good year for me and I hope that 2012 is even better," he reportedly told O Globo. "For the new year I have some great objectives and they all go through Sao Paulo.
"I want to win a title and also have a great Olympics in London. After that I will see but I'm only interested in Sao Paulo."
The 19-year-old is one of world soccer's most promising young players. He has been linked with moves to Liverpool, Manchester United and Inter Milan in recent months. It is believed he would command a transfer fee of around £25 million ($39.2 million).
Lucas, as he is commonly known, has two seasons of top-flight soccer experience. He was named the outstanding midfielder in the recently completed Campeonato Brasileiro Seria A (first division championship), guiding Sao Paulo to a sixth-place finish. He has 68 appearances and 16 goals for the prestigious club.
The teenager has already made 10 appearances for Brazil's senior team. After leading his country to the South American U-20 championships in January (where he was named best player), he made his senior debut in March 2011.
He could make the jump to Europe after Sao Paulo's 2012 season, but there is no guarantee. Brazilian clubs are more hesitant to cash in young stars than they were even two or three years ago.
Photo via Flickr/HenriqueMF
