Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has revealed that he never wanted a move away from Merseyside despite talk of a potential departure.
The Brazilian, a stalwart of the Liverpool engine room for many years, did not make the squad for the first two games of the season following the summer signing of James Milner which strengthened the Reds’ side.
This exclusion led to reports suggesting that he may have been leaving Anfield to go on loan to Besiktas.
However, following captain Jordan Henderson’s injury, Lucas was recalled for the Reds’ trip to Arsenal and earned plaudits for his performances.
He is quoted by the Mirror as saying: “I was very frustrated that I couldn’t make the squad for the first two games, but I had to keep training and working hard because we have a lot of examples where football can change in a moment.
Of course, I never wanted to leave Liverpool. I have a home here and my family are very happy. But sometimes you do find yourself thinking about another solution if you think that will keep your career going.
“A couple of things happened during the first couple of games that gave me the chance to play against Arsenal, and I believe it was because I was training so hard and was well prepared that I was able to come in and have a good game.”
Lucas made his 200th Premier League appearance for the Reds in their 1-1 draw against Norwich on Sunday afternoon, but he knows things could have been different.
He added: “Maybe if there hadn’t been the Arsenal game, I wouldn’t be here now. But I always believe that things happen for a reason.
I’m very happy that I stayed and I will keep fighting for the club as I have been doing for the past eight years.
With Henderson out with a broken bone in his foot, Lucas may find himself handed more opportunities in the side as Brendan Rodgers looks to sure up the Liverpool side.
Important games in three different competitions are on the horizon, starting with Wednesday night’s Capital One Cup tie against Carlisle.
