Lucas Rodrigues is aiming high after joining Horsham

BRAZILIAN-BORN forward Lucas Rodrigues is eyeing a promotion challenge with Horsham after making the ‘difficult choice’ to leave Whitehawk.

The 23-year-old had been the Hawks’ longest-serving player, scoring 25 goals in 99 league appearances, but has now decided to step up a level to the Isthmian Premier. He has joined the Hornets for an undisclosed fee.

“At Whitehawk, I almost felt at home,” said Rodrigues, who moved to England from Brazil when he was aged seven.

“I knew everyone inside out, but I knew I’d come towards the end of a cycle and felt that I needed a new challenge and that I needed to push myself.

“It was a difficult choice but after speaking to family and friends, and Dom (Di Paola – manager), I really do think I’ve made the right choice. The ambition the club has, and the set-up itself, is just amazing.

“When you’re talking about winning leagues, you’ve got to steady yourself, but I think this club, with the players they’ve brought in and the management staff, is a club which should be aiming for the play-offs.”