Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has revealed he was close to sealing a move away from Anfield during the summer transfer window.
Leiva was linked heavily linked with both Inter Milan and Besiktas following the Reds’ signing of former Manchester City man James Milner, but an excellent performance against Arsenal seemed to have convinced Brendan Rodgers to keep hold of the Brazilian.
The 28-year-old admits he believed he was on his way out of Liverpool, but says he is now totally committed to staying with the Merseyside club.
“It’s been very intense,” Lucas told Liverpool’s official website, as reported by The Telegraph.
“I think the last couple of years, every transfer window my name is linked with a move.
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.
“I’ve been here so long and I always said if I had the choice to be here and be happy, I would always choose Liverpool.
“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.”
Lucas struggled to make an impact last season after rotated in and out of the squad by Rodgers.
He also battled to break back into the side following a six-week injury lay-off.
SEE ALSO:
REVEALED! Arsenal’s £390m stadium build COST club Cristiano Ronaldo
CRISIS? Man United stars CONFRONT Louis van Gaal over ‘hardline’ training regime
John Stones transfer: Chelsea target DEMANDS £38m release clause in order to sign new Everton deal
COMMENTS