Lucas wants to repay Reds

Having missed the last eight months through injury, it would be fair to say that Lucas Leiva has experienced something of a frustrating period at Anfield. However, as he closes in on a full recovery, the Brazilian midfielder claims that he is desperate to repay the support provided to him by the club.

Leiva sustained the dreaded cruciate knee ligament injury during a Carling Cup tie last November and has not since played for the club. News of the injury certainly rocked many, as Leiva had become a prominent figure at Anfield and finally appeared to have won over supporters. Despite struggling for several years with form, it appeared as though the 25-year-old had finally established himself as a Reds regular and was even named the 2010/11 Player of the Season.

After travelling with Liverpool on their tour of the USA, Leiva is hopeful of returning to the squad in the very near future. Speaking to the press he said, “It’s those little things that make you feel stronger. The fans were amazing. I think the hard times have been good for me because I learned a lot about myself. I am very lucky to be here and even though I’m starting my sixth season at Liverpool, I still feel fresh and there is no reason for me to think I can’t get back to the same level again. I want to thank everyone by becoming the player I was before.”

With the Reds experiencing a change in manager during Leiva’s injury, it looks as though he has to once again go through the whole process of establishing himself at Anfield. Moreover, with Brendan Rodgers reportedly looking at strengthening the midfield positions, it remains to be seen just how many opportunities Leiva will get to impress during the 2012/13 campaign.