Lucas Moura had to overcome great adversity while growing up in Brazil, so he has no fears about the challenge facing him at Tottenham and is determined to "make history" with the club.
The 25-year-old had to be patient after joining Spurs from Paris Saint-Germain in January, making just five starts in all competitions during the second half of the season.
He will face stiff competition for places again this campaign. But, after the rather more serious trials he encountered in his home city of Sao Paulo, he is confident he has what it takes to succeed in his next test and help Spurs win their first trophy since 2008.
"When I was young in Brazil, it was very difficult, and I worked a lot to be here, where I am now," said Lucas. "In Brazil, we have a lot of problems with violence. I lost friends I studied with. Unfortunately, it's normal.
"I grew up in a really poor city. It was difficult, but I always had in my head that I would win, that I would be a professional player, help my family and friends, and realise my dream.
"It's a dream to play in Europe, the Premier League, the Champions League. It's a big gift from God.
"I wanted to play in another championship, and coming here was a big opportunity for me to play in the best league in the world. I want to enjoy it and give my best to make history here.
"Tottenham are a very big club, big in structure. I'm impressed with this, and I'm happy to come here.
"I believe we can do a big season, win a trophy. That's why I'm here, to win a trophy, because I believe in the team, the project. We have the capacity to make history here."
Lucas was speaking after playing football with a group of young people from First Star -- an organisation that partners with universities and child welfare agencies to improve the lives of foster youth -- as a group of Spurs players paid a visit during their tour of the United States.
He has quickly caught the eye during Spurs' preseason programme, both in training and in Wednesday's International Champions Cup match in San Diego, where he scored twice and played a key role in the two other goals during a 4-1 win over Roma.
Lucas feels he has benefited from spending the second half of last season at Tottenham and is ready to hit the ground running when the Premier League kicks off.
"The first six months was good for adaptation and to get to know the club, my teammates and my new life," he said. "Now, I am very excited to play.
"I think now I am ready to give my best because I will do the whole preseason with the team. That is important because here is very different.
"Always at a big team, there's very hard competition. It's not a problem. I believe in my talent.
"There are a lot of games, so everyone will have their opportunity. I need to be ready to show good things, to win my place in the team -- and I will do it."
Lucas is firm friends with Neymar, who grew up on the outskirts of Sao Paulo. The pair played against each other in Brazil, and together at PSG, and Neymar expressed his sadness when Lucas left in the winter.