Lucas Pérez, the newly signed player for PSV Eindhoven, has opened up about his tumultuous personal life, shedding light on his emotional struggles stemming from childhood abandonment and family legal disputes.
During an interview with Cope, the 36-year-old footballer revealed the heartbreaking circumstances of his early life, stating, "My parents abandoned me when I was two years old and now my father is demanding lifelong support". Pérez described the trauma of being left at such a young age, leading to his upbringing with his paternal grandparents, whom he regards as his true family. "They saved me. They were my real family," he reflected, emphasizing the role they played during his formative years.
The distress caused by this family drama was compounded by his experiences at Deportivo La Coruña, the club he had once considered home. Pérez explained how, since November 2023, he began to feel increasingly unsupported within the team, stating, "I started to notice I wasn’t getting the support I needed within the team. There were people at the club asking for my departure without anyone telling me directly." This growing tension and pressure took its toll on his mental health.
Faced with these challenges, he made the significant decision to part ways with Deportivo. "It was too much pressure. I wasn’t well and needed to leave to regain tranquility," he admitted. The club's demands for him to formally commit to the next season also played a role. Pérez said, "The club wanted me to formally commit for the next season, and when they doubted, I thought it best to step aside." This moment marked the culmination of his struggles, both on and off the pitch.
Shortly after he left, PSV Eindhoven came calling on January 30, 2024. Though he was initially unable to sign due to his emotional turmoil, the club showed remarkable patience. "I wasn’t prepared to sign [with PSV] then, but they waited for me," said Pérez, expressing gratitude for their support.
Pérez is now focused on his new chapter with PSV, which competes for titles and remains active in the Champions League. He has made it clear, though, where his priorities lie, stating, "I want to be close to my son. I don’t know where I will play next season, but my heart is with my son and those who truly support me." His son, who resides in Madrid, remains his primary motivation as he navigates this new phase of his career.
Lucas Pérez’s revelations have struck a chord not just with his fans but also within the broader football community, serving as a poignant reminder of the personal battles athletes face beyond the field. His story resonates with many, illustrating the warmth of familial ties and the burdens of abandonment, all of which have shaped his path.
Despite his setbacks, Pérez expressed no intention of stepping away from his passion for football. "I never thought about retiring because I love this sport very much," he stated emphatically as he prepares to deliver his experience and passion to the field when he dons the PSV colors.
For Pérez, moving to Eindhoven marks not just a new professional chapter, but also the possibility of healing from his past. With his eyes set on the road ahead, he hopes to leave behind the shadows of his childhood and focus on achieving success with his new team.