Lacroix first interview: “It’s like a dream”

Lacroix joins from Wolfsburg and heads to the Premier League for the first time, having watched Palace’s emphatic ending to the campaign last season.

“I’m really happy – it’s like a dream for a young football player,” he told Palace TV. “I’m really happy to be here and to arrive in this good team.

“I [saw] everything they had done last year. I watched the games and I was really surprised and really happy also for the coach, because I played with him before and when I had the first call with him I said: ‘OK, I think it’s the right moment to move in the Premier League’.”

Lacroix was brought to the Bundesliga as a 20-year-old by Oliver Glasner, where they achieved Champions League qualification in a remarkable first campaign. Now, they reunite in South London.

“We had a good connection at Wolfsburg,” he said. “He was my first coach in Bundesliga and I did a really good season with the team.

“We had qualification for the Champions League, so it was really great for the club and now I'm really happy and I want to make my best to make some good performances with him again.

“I spoke with him, and I think he has a lot of objectives with this team and he told me I can arrive to make a good step.”

Lacroix was one of the standout defenders in the Bundesliga last season – but it wasn’t just his prowess at the back that caught the eye, as he found the back of the net four times.

“I'm a strong defender. I'm quick. I'm good with the ball and I like defending,” he said.

“I like defence. I think I'm a good player for Palace and I think I will be a good player for the Premier League.

“I have to make some bonuses - it's also really important for a defender to score and I hope I will also score some goals for Palace!”

Having featured in the European Cup, he now says he is looking forward to taking on the Premier League for the very first time.

“I'm really excited because Champions League is the biggest place to play football, but the Premier League is also the biggest championship to play,” he said.

“I think it's like the Champions League in the Premier League because every week you play against big teams and you have to be 100% in all the games.

“I'm ready for this new challenge.”

Lacroix had a final message for the fans as he prepares to make his first appearance at Selhurst Park in the coming weeks.

“I just want to say I'm ready. I hope you are also ready because we need you to win games. See you soon.”