Lucas Leiva: ‘Performance against Arsenal kept me at Liverpool’

In today’s fast-paced sports world, team chemistry, camaraderie, experience, and loyalty are all afterthoughts to the bottom line. The mannaer of loss at the hands of Manchester United at Old Trafford along with the poor showing last season meant the calls for the head of Brendan Rodgers was on an all-time high.

Such a sad fate-one that has happened with maddening regularity under Rodgers-nearly befell Lucas Leiva.

Liverpool legend Mark Larwenson has emphasised the importance of the club’s next Premier League game against Aston Villa on Saturday, in an interview with BBC Sport. I have a home here and my family are very happy.

“If we can put things in perspective, and I’m no lover of Liverpool in modern times, two years ago he almost won the league”.

Lucas insists he did not want to leave Liverpool but after watching his starting opportunities dwindle, and with the arrival of James Milner, the former Gremio man believed he had no choice if he wanted to play. It is unfortunate that an injury to Jordan Henderson proved to be the impetus for forcing Lucas into action, but it is very fortunate that he was still in the squad and not loaned out in Turkey.

He said: “They made the decision to stick with the manager, which I have not got a problem with, and after five games it is too early [to sack him]”. But I always believe that things happen for a reason. Those eight years were not only victories and joys, but every defeat and difficulty were very worth it. I am extremely grateful to Liverpool and the fans for all the love and affection that they’ve provided me over the years.

We too are very happy you stayed Papa Lucas.

The draw against Norwich at the weekend came as a source of frustration for many, although the return to fitness of Daniel Sturridge is a welcome positive.