EXCLUSIVE: Lucas Rosa Opens Up About His Move to Ajax and Aspirations to Represent Brazil

In a special conversation with Flashscore, Ajax right-back Lucas Rosa shared insights into his journey to the Dutch club and his experiences under the new manager, Francesco Farioli.

Rosa joined Ajax in January and showcased a strong performance in a recent match against PSV, earning the trust of the Amsterdam faithful.

Before his move to Ajax, he played for Valladolid in Spain, a club currently grappling with relegation, and he was linked to several Brazilian teams earlier in the year before ultimately settling in the Dutch capital.

Eight years prior, Lucas visited Amsterdam alongside his mother, Ana Teresa Ratti, who also manages his career. During their trip, they toured the Ajax training facility, leaving a lasting impression on him.

“I promised her that one day I would don the Ajax jersey. Everything aligned perfectly to make that dream a reality, so choosing to sign with them felt right,” remarked the full-back, who developed his skills at Palmeiras before making the leap to Europe at 18 to play for Juventus, where he represented both the under-19 and under-23 sides prior to his stint in Spain.

The negotiations between Valladolid and Ajax unfolded when the former was in a better position in La Liga compared to their current situation at the bottom of the table, and Rosa insists that the threat of relegation did not factor into his decision.

“The team had just enjoyed a series of positive results, and we had a moment to breathe in the league. I had previously played for Valladolid in the second division and wouldn’t have minded staying, even with relegation on the cards. The transfer was set in motion thanks to Ajax’s attractive offer,” he stated.

Since then, he has participated in six matches for the Dutch outfit, and he’s noticed significant growth in his game under the widely respected Italian manager, Francesco Farioli.

“He emphasises one-on-one marking and defensive intensity, which demands a higher level of accountability from us. I feel I’ve matured a lot here, and my ultimate aspiration is to represent my national team,” he expressed.

In the match against PSV, Rosa shone brightly, making a positive impact on supporters who may witness him in the Ajax colours for some time, given his four-year contract.

“I performed well in such a crucial match and was glad to showcase my abilities,” he mentioned.

“Adjusting to the league has been smooth for me, as its playstyle differs considerably from La Liga. I will continue to carve out my role, even after transferring mid-season and facing the challenges of adaptation.”

This promising form only fuels his ambitions, particularly regarding European competitions.

“I envision my future in Europe over the coming years and plan to take it step by step to ultimately earn my place in the national team,” the 25-year-old added.

“The Brasileirao has flourished, boasting internationally recognised players and providing significant visibility, but my current focus is on Ajax. That’s where I want to display my talents.”