Tottenham attacker Lucas Moura has credited football of saving him from a life of crime in Sao Paulo.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star has found his feet in England, after a tough six months last season, and claimed a number of his friends went down the “bad way.”

Moura was speaking to the Evening Standard and was quoted saying:

“It was very difficult when I was young because there are problems with violence, gangs, guns, drugs – a criminal life.

“I had friends that choose a criminal life. Some of them are in prison and some of them are dead. They chose the bad way.

“I played a lot of football in the street. My dream was to become a footballer – that’s why I didn’t go to the bad way. I always believed I could realise my dream and give another life to my family.”

Moura added that his parents sent him down the right path and that he always wanted to be a footballer and nothing else.

The Brazilian’s form this season saw him earn a recall to the national side. Moura has three goals from eight Premier League games and has been one of the more consistent players for Tottenham.

The 26-year-old was used sparingly by Mauricio Pochettino after joining us in January but believes he can get better.

“The first five months was to adapt to the new life, the new championship, the new coach, a new country, a new club.

“Now I’ve done a pre-season with the team and I understand what the coach expects from me. Here the game is so dynamic, the intensity is so high. I hope I’m a little far from my best. I’m playing well but can do better.”

The Brazilian hasn’t hit the levels that he did during his first few years with PSG but working with Pochettino should help him reach his potential.

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The season is only a few games in and hopefully, we will see the best of Moura in the coming months.