Lucas Assadi heads to Sweden to sign with AIK Solna and fulfill his European dream

The bags are packed and the European dream is finally becoming reality. Lucas Assadi traveled to Sweden this Saturday to sign a contract with AIK Solna, pending the standard medical exams. With that, the midfielder who came up through Universidad de Chile's youth ranks closes a chapter at the CDA to begin a new stage he has been waiting on for some time. This is no ordinary transfer for the player. Assadi is one of the standout names from the club's latest generation, the one that captivated fans all the way from the youth categories, and his departure closes out a story with more than one difficult chapter. Injuries, limited minutes and a start to the season that left him out of the picture were all part of the road before landing this move to Europe. That's why, at his farewell, the player didn't hide his emotions. "I'm living out a dream. Now I'm going to move into a great new stage and hopefully it turns out to be a defining one. I hope to build a good career outside Chile and then come back to the U," Assadi said, leaving the door open to a return down the road.

A tough year that ended with warmth

What stands out is that the player admitted this past stretch wasn't easy on the field, but it was rewarding in terms of the connection with Universidad de Chile's fans. "It's in the tough moments when you really notice the fans' affection. I didn't go through good times this year, especially early in the season, because of injuries and because I wasn't playing much. So I'm forever grateful to the fans," he admitted. Assadi also took time to walk through the club before boarding his flight. He spoke with teammates, staff members and the people who watched him grow as a player. "I went to say goodbye to my teammates and to everyone who works at the club. These last two days have been very emotional for me. I've cried a lot, but I'm very happy," he said.

I'm living out a dream. Now I'm going to move into a great new stage and hopefully it turns out to be a defining one. I hope to build a good career outside Chile and then come back to the U.Lucas Assadi

What's left now is more paperwork than soccer: passing the medical exams and putting pen to paper to officially join AIK Solna, one of the historic clubs in Swedish soccer. For Universidad de Chile, it's yet another name heading abroad, something that has become routine for a squad that has seen several of its young stars depart in recent years. How will he fare in Scandinavian soccer? It's still too early to tell. What's certain is that Assadi already has a destination, a club and, in his own words, the intention of one day returning to the jersey that saw him grow into the player he is.