Lucas Pérez, known for his roller coaster career as a professional footballer, faces personal turmoil as his estranged parents demand financial support from him after abandoning him at the age of two. The 36-year-old striker, who recently signed back with PSV Eindhoven, has battled through various ups and downs both on and off the pitch, but his current predicament sheds light on the complex nature of family relationships and responsibility.
Born on March 10, 1988, in A Coruña, Spain, Pérez's early life was marred by abandonment. His parents left him when he was just two years old, leaving him under the care of his grandparents until he reached adulthood. Now, as he enjoys newfound success—and financial stability—with his recent return to the prominent Dutch club, his past has resurfaced painfully.
Pérez, whose career highlights include playing for top-tier clubs across Europe, spoke candidly on the radio station COPE about the sudden re-emergence of his father's demands. "A complaint reached the club from my father, even though my parents abandoned me when I was two years old. He demanded alimony which I would have to pay for life," he recounted. This request has placed immense emotional strain on him, complicateing his relationships within football.
The timeline of this dispute traces back to 2019 when Pérez was still with Deportivo La Coruña. Despite his success as captain, he felt undervalued and mentioned the negative impact this legal battle had on his career. "When I learned about my impending departure from the club last December, it hit me hard. I felt underappreciated, which was exacerbated by the proceedings involving my father. I met him several times, and the court date is approaching,” he explained.
Pérez's return to professional football came at a pivotal moment when PSV Eindhoven offered him a six-month contract this winter. Securing his place at PSV has renewed hope for the player, especially as the team advances to the Champions League round of 16, where they will face Arsenal, the club where he once made headlines with a €20 million transfer from Deportivo.
On the field, Pérez has performed admirably this season, contributing four goals and four assists across 19 appearances. Yet, his internal struggles remind us of the real, often difficult life behind professional athletes' glamorous facades. He acknowledged, "The claims made by my parents have complicated my relationships with previous clubs, which inevitably led to my departure from Deportivo earlier this year."
Lucas Pérez remains focused on his current chance and future endeavors but cannot ignore the past. His story resonates with many who understand the weight of familial responsibilities and the effects of childhood abandonment. While he is making strides on the pitch for PSV, the legal issues surrounding his family loom large, reminding him every day of the conflicts between personal history and professional aspirations.