• Europa League

Lucas Piazon happy to have left Chelsea

ESPN staff
February 14, 2013
Lucas Piazon is on loan at Malaga © PA Photos
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Lucas Piazon, on loan at Malaga from Chelsea, has said he prefers the more cultured football of La Liga to the hustle and bustle of the Premier League and had found life at Stamford Bridge "difficult".

Piazon, 19, who joined the Andalucians until the end of the season during the January window, said he already feels more at home in Spain than in England.

"I like the way football is played here, passing the ball without looking to hit it long," the Brazilian explained. "It is like Brazilian football. I feel more secure here."

Piazon has made two substitute appearances - against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and in the La Liga win at Levante last weekend - since arriving on the Costa del Sol, but said he was looking forward to getting more chances.

"I am happy with the team and with myself," he added. "I played in the last game, I made my debut against Barcelona.

"I need to play a lot of minutes. I want to have the opportunity to start games, and I hope to get that in the coming games."

The teenager featured little at Chelsea after signing from Sao Paulo for a reported £10 million in January 2012, and felt it had been difficult to settle in at Stamford Bridge.

"Here almost everyone speaks the same language, it is easier," he said. "Also the fans are warmer, like in Brazil. Leaving was the best option. The atmosphere was difficult. There was a lot of pressure and it was difficult for a young player to be able to play. I want to play and have opportunities to grow."

Malaga face into a challenging week, with Athletic Bilbao visiting La Rosaleda in La Liga on Saturday, followed by a trip to Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Piazon said: "In La Liga we are doing well, fourth, but there are many teams very close behind us," he said. "So I think Saturday's game is just as important as the game against Porto."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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