Lucas Pérez, one of Deportivo La Coruña's most emblematic players, recently made headlines for his unexpected departure to PSV Eindhoven. While Pérez's move might seem like just another transfer, the reasons behind it reveal much more than just football decisions; they touch on deeply personal issues and feelings of alienation from the club he has represented with pride.
Pérez's exit, announced at the end of January, stunned fans who had expected him to end his career where it all started. His time at Deportivo, spanning multiple seasons, saw him become not just a player but also the heartbeat of the side. Upon joining Deportivo, his goal was clear: to help the club regain its former glory. Unfortunately, as he detailed, things did not go as planned.
Speaking candidly during interviews on Spanish radio, Pérez reflected on his hopes when he returned to Deportivo at the end of 2023. "Llego el 31 de diciembre de 2023, cuando decido volver al Deportivo para intentar acabar la carrera y poder ayudar" (I arrived on December 31, 2023, when I decided to return to Deportivo to try and finish my career and help), he said. Yet, challenges quickly emerged as management changes led to tensions within the team.
The performance of Deportivo struggled, culminating with early exits from key competitions. By late 2023, rumors began swirling within the club, implying there were factions wanting him out. Pérez expressed how disheartening it was to learn there were individuals within the management advocating for his departure, saying, "Me enteré de que hay gente en el club que quiere que me marchara. Me dolió mucho" (I learned there are people at the club who wanted me to leave. It hurt me deeply).
Beyond the pitch-related turmoil, Pérez faced grave personal issues, revolving largely around his father. He unfolded the harrowing story of his upbringing, marking the depth of his struggles. "Mis padres me dejaron allí porque no podían hacerse cargo de mí. Me dejaron allí con 2 añitos" (My parents left me there because they couldn’t take care of me. They left me there when I was just two years old), he explained, emphasizing how this complicated family history added layers to his departure. The strained relationship resurfaced when his father began pressing him for financial support, making the situation unbearable. "Me exige una manutención, una cantidad importante de dinero para el resto de su vida" (He demands maintenance, a large sum of money for the rest of his life), revealed Pérez, shedding light on the emotional and financial pressure he was under.
Within the difficult backdrop of personal strife, Pérez felt increasingly unsupported by the club. He expected more empathy during his struggles, yet he was met with demands for signed commitments for future seasons. The interaction left him feeling unvalued and misunderstood: "Consideré que no han entendido lo que significa el Deportivo para mí" (I considered they didn’t understand what Deportivo means to me). This lack of support during such pivotal times only deepened the rift between him and the club.
While the club’s dynamics weighed heavily on him, Pérez was also taken aback by rumors following his decision to leave. Speculation about moves elsewhere, particularly to Rayo Vallecano, was rampant, yet he contested these claims sternly: "Se dijo que me iba al Rayo Vallecano... Pero eso no es cierto" (It was said I was going to Rayo Vallecano... but that's not true). His focus remained primarily on his son, who resides near Madrid, which fueled the chatter even more, but Pérez insisted his motivations were tied exclusively to personal circumstances.
The moment of clarity came when PSV Eindhoven expressed their interest. After contemplating for several days and reflecting upon his options, Pérez accepted the offer, stating, "Recién llegué al PSV y estoy muy agradecido... porque en un principio, no estaba preparado" (I just arrived at PSV and am very grateful... because initially, I wasn’t ready). He elaborated on how PSV’s respectful approach allowed him to regain his footing after the chaos surrounding his exit from Deportivo.
Lucas Pérez’s narrative is not simply about football but intertwined with stories of identity, family, and personal struggles. Though he transitioned to PSV Eindhoven, the emotional weight of his ties to Deportivo La Coruña remains. The importance of the club was not just about the sport but about belonging to something greater than himself.
With aspirations still high, Pérez has reiterated his love for football, stating, "No, dejarlo no, porque lo amo mucho" (No, I never thought about quitting because I love it so much). His path may take new turns, but the echo of his experiences at Deportivo will undoubtedly resonate within him for years to come.