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I Used To Think Liverpool Move Hurt My Career - Lucas Leiva
Brazilian believes he made the right decision in joining the Reds...
04-Mar-2010 1:39:00 PM
By Adithya Ananth
Liverpool midfielder Lucas has confessed he used to think his transfer to the Merseyside club had produced an adverse effect on his career, but now appears to have been convinced otherwise.
The Brazilian made the move to Anfield in 2007, and his performances have been under the critics' eye for some time now. And with several doubts over manager Rafael Benitez' transfer policy, the former Gremio player was previously slated as a 'Reds misfit'.
However, the 23-year-old has shown significant improvement since last season, and hopes to contribute his share in pushing for a fourth place finish in the Premier League this term.
"It’s been a very difficult time both for the team and for me,” said Lucas, according to the Liverpool Echo.
"I know a lot of people have been unhappy with my performances, particularly at the start of the season.
"The team wasn’t doing well and results were bad. But I’ve learned a lot more about myself and become a stronger person and player. It has made me desperate to prove people wrong."
The Dourados-born player explained he had in the past questioned as to whether the move to Merseyside had hurt his career, but is now certain he made the right call.
"There have been times [in the past] when I thought I may have made the wrong decision but now I am sure that I have made the right one," Lucas added.
"My game has changed a lot since leaving Brazil. I was able to attack more at Gremio because I played with two defensive midfielders, In England you have more responsibility.
"I still think I have some work to do if all the fans are going to believe in me. I’m happy and I feel I’m improving. But it isn’t about me, it’s about the club doing well."
The Brazilian made the move to Anfield in 2007, and his performances have been under the critics' eye for some time now. And with several doubts over manager Rafael Benitez' transfer policy, the former Gremio player was previously slated as a 'Reds misfit'.
However, the 23-year-old has shown significant improvement since last season, and hopes to contribute his share in pushing for a fourth place finish in the Premier League this term.
"It’s been a very difficult time both for the team and for me,” said Lucas, according to the Liverpool Echo.
"I know a lot of people have been unhappy with my performances, particularly at the start of the season.
"The team wasn’t doing well and results were bad. But I’ve learned a lot more about myself and become a stronger person and player. It has made me desperate to prove people wrong."
The Dourados-born player explained he had in the past questioned as to whether the move to Merseyside had hurt his career, but is now certain he made the right call.
"There have been times [in the past] when I thought I may have made the wrong decision but now I am sure that I have made the right one," Lucas added.
"My game has changed a lot since leaving Brazil. I was able to attack more at Gremio because I played with two defensive midfielders, In England you have more responsibility.
"I still think I have some work to do if all the fans are going to believe in me. I’m happy and I feel I’m improving. But it isn’t about me, it’s about the club doing well."
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