Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Lucas : I will not leave Liverpool


Recent reports have suggested that Lucas Leiva may seek a summer move away from Anfield in order to better his chances of securing a spot in Brazil's World Cup 2010 squad.

Despite being something of a reserve player, Lucas quashed the rumours about the possible exit from his club by claiming that he is very happy with his career at this point.

"I have never thought about leaving Liverpool," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I've got three more years to go on my contract and I'm really happy here.

"My girlfriend is happy in Liverpool and everybody at the club is supporting me. I have never thought about leaving."

Owing to some speculation over Lucas' quality in the past, the Brazilian is eager to prove himself to the Merseyside fans. And with performances like the one in the 4-1 drubbing of Manchester United at Old Trafford, there is still hope that he can win over the Liverpool faithful

"I think I'm improving and I have more confidence every day," Lucas said.

"I don't think about what some of the people say. I have to concentrate on the team. Rafa [Benitez] always gives me a lot of confidence.

"I know some people don't trust me yet but I will try to show them my quality, and I think I've now started doing that.

"When you play consecutive games you get more confidence. You get some rhythm. It is more difficult when you play just one or two games a month but I have to work hard, try to improve every day and try to get to my best level."

While the youngster cited his coach as a source of inspiration, Lucas listed several team-mates as great mentors in his quest to improve.

"Javier [Mascherano] and Xabi Alonso have a lot of experience and they've won a lot of titles already. I am trying to improve with them, and also with Stevie [Gerrard] - he helps me a lot.

"They tell me to play with confidence and that I have quality."

In the wake of all the rumors, Lucas is confident that the impact of his team's win against United will resonate around the world, including one country in particular.

"Everyone in Brazil knows how massive this game is and I know for sure my family will be proud," he said.

Liverpool now sit third in the league, behind Chelsea only on goal difference with both teams trailing Manchester United by a mere four points. Lucas has insisted that Liverpool are remaining hopeful.

"The atmosphere is nice at the moment because we beat United twice and also beat Chelsea twice. Now we are still in the race. We know it's difficult but it's not impossible, so we have to keep going," he said.

"We now have a four-point gap. We have to win our games but they do also. This result and the Real [Madrid] game have given us a lot of confidence."

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