Lucas Ocampos on leaving Sevilla: “I think it was the right decision.”

Sevilla have reached an agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Lucas Ocampos for a fixed fee of €23m and another €3m in variables.

After a brilliant first season with Sevilla (17 goals and 5 assists), his form dipped in 2020-21 and did not pick up in 2021-22.

“I think it was the right decision, both for me and my family (for my future) and for the club, but it’s difficult, of course. Leaving a place where I have been so happy, with so many friends and so many people who love you is difficult,” Ocampos said at San Pablo Airport before boarding for Amsterdam in words reported by Estadio Deportivo.

“I’m leaving with very beautiful memories and want to thank them [Sevilla fans] for the three years.”

He is also convinced that his team-mates and Julen Lopetegui will know how to get out of their poor run of form.

“I wish Sevilla the best, as always. It’s a club that is going to fight for everything again. Obviously, everything seems negative right now, but I’m sure they’ll get out of these difficult times and get back to being the Sevilla they’ve always been.”

The Argentine player only played 133 minutes in the three La Liga games this season, starting in Pamplona against Osasuna and then being a substitute against Valladolid and Almería.

“It [transfer] was something not so quick and quick at the same time. I spoke to the manager, of course. We have a fantastic relationship, both with him and with all his coaching staff. The truth is that I’m leaving a better player than I expected to be the day I arrived.”

GSFN