Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has reaffirmed his commitment to the club, following a summer of speculation where he looked certain to leave.
The Brazilian, who is now the longest-serving player in the Reds first-team squad following the departure of Steven Gerrard in the summer, looked set to end his eight-year stay on Merseyside as he was linked with a season-long loan switch to Turkish giants Besiktas.
He failed to make the match-day squads for the opening two games of the new campaign against Stoke City and AFC Bournemouth, with reports in the media suggesting he had fallen out with manager Brendan Rodgers due to his lack of games.
However, an injury to club captain Jordan Henderson against the Cherries earned Lucas a recall to the starting XI against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and he produced a typically disciplined performance in his usual defensive midfield role.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the 28-year-old admitted he was close to leaving, but insists he is ready to give his all for the cause this season.
“It’s been very intense [the window], to be honest,” he said.
“Of course there are times when you think you might have to move on and I was very close to moving but one thing I will always have is commitment to this club.”
“When your future is in doubt, you might have to think of another solution, but I’m happy that it didn’t happen and I’m here to fight for the club as I have been doing for eight years.”
“I’m just looking forward to a good season and putting Liverpool back where it belongs. I have this chance to say I’m fully committed,” Lucas added.
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Lucas will be hoping to retain his place in the team when the Reds face fierce rivals Manchester United in a huge Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.