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Brazil Midfielder Lucas Leiva: I'm Determined To Win Over The Liverpool Supporters
Youngster committed to the Reds cause...
21-Mar-2010 8:53:00 PM
By David Middleton
Brazilian midfield scurrier Lucas Leiva is determined to prove his critics wrong and finally win over the Liverpool faithful.
The diminutive ball-winner moved from Gremio for £6 million three years ago, but has struggled to win over the Anfield loyalists despite topping the club's charts for completed passes and successful tackles this season.
The former Brazilian Under-20 captain is more determined than ever to make a name for himself on Merseyside, despite the club's fruitless campaign.
“I know some people still don't believe in me. That is something I have learned to cope with,” he told the Mirror.
“I just try to do my best for the people who do believe in me, like the manager and my team-mates.
“I came to the club as an attacking midfielder, but I have had to learn a different role.
“It was difficult to adapt to how fast and physical the game is in England. I have stayed because I believed I could be a success for Liverpool.”
The 23-year-old has been a mainstay in Rafael Benitez's starting XI this season with only Pepe Reina, Dirk Kuyt and Jamie Carragher having more league starts.
However, despite establishing his first-team credentials, he admits the club have had an underwhelming campaign after early exits in the Champions League, in both domestic cups and with a failed Premier League title assault.
He added: “Even if we finish fourth we won't celebrate because that does not represent success for a club like Liverpool.
“Of course, finishing fourth is the main aim we have right now because qualifying for the Champions League is so important, but this club should really be fighting for titles.
“We know it should have been much better than this. What has happened this season has shocked the players.
“When you play for Liverpool, you dream of winning titles and trophies. We all thought this was going to be our year.”
Liverpool can still end the current campaign with some silverware, having knocking Lille out 3-1 on aggregate to book a place in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Become a fan of Goal.com India's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything the related to the beautiful game!
The diminutive ball-winner moved from Gremio for £6 million three years ago, but has struggled to win over the Anfield loyalists despite topping the club's charts for completed passes and successful tackles this season.
The former Brazilian Under-20 captain is more determined than ever to make a name for himself on Merseyside, despite the club's fruitless campaign.
“I know some people still don't believe in me. That is something I have learned to cope with,” he told the Mirror.
“I just try to do my best for the people who do believe in me, like the manager and my team-mates.
“I came to the club as an attacking midfielder, but I have had to learn a different role.
“It was difficult to adapt to how fast and physical the game is in England. I have stayed because I believed I could be a success for Liverpool.”
The 23-year-old has been a mainstay in Rafael Benitez's starting XI this season with only Pepe Reina, Dirk Kuyt and Jamie Carragher having more league starts.
However, despite establishing his first-team credentials, he admits the club have had an underwhelming campaign after early exits in the Champions League, in both domestic cups and with a failed Premier League title assault.
He added: “Even if we finish fourth we won't celebrate because that does not represent success for a club like Liverpool.
“Of course, finishing fourth is the main aim we have right now because qualifying for the Champions League is so important, but this club should really be fighting for titles.
“We know it should have been much better than this. What has happened this season has shocked the players.
“When you play for Liverpool, you dream of winning titles and trophies. We all thought this was going to be our year.”
Liverpool can still end the current campaign with some silverware, having knocking Lille out 3-1 on aggregate to book a place in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Become a fan of Goal.com India's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything the related to the beautiful game!
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