Liverpool midfielder Lucas believes good times will return to Anfield

11 April 2013 08:49

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva insists he would not have signed a new contract were he not confident of success returning to Anfield.

The 26-year-old Brazil international did not hesitate in following the likes of Luis Suarez, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Brad Jones, Raheem Sterling, Suso, Jonjo Shelvey, Martin Kelly and Andre Wisdom, who have all extended their deals in the last 10 months.

Lucas still had a further two years to run on the contract he signed in May 2011, and he said: "If I didn't believe, I don't think I would have signed a new deal. I think that's why we've seen a lot of players signing new deals - because we really believe this club will be back where it should be."

He added: "The last two or three years have had some difficult moments for the club but I think keeping these players and getting help from new players will be important for us.

"And we'll work really hard to do whatever we can to put Liverpool back fighting for titles and in games the fans are really looking forward to.

"When I retire I would like to look back and see that my career at Liverpool has been a successful one. That means winning - and I still believe we can win important things here.

"Maybe it hasn't been as quick as I or everybody would have wanted but I am sure in a few years' time we will be celebrating some important titles."

Lucas is confident that despite an up and down first season in charge, manager Brendan Rodgers will bring regular success back to Anfield.

"Brendan played a big part in my new deal," he told liverpoolfc.com. "I spoke with him a few times before we agreed the new contract. He has been a very good manager for all of us and we're really looking forward to next season.

"We know how he works and how he wants us to play and everyone is looking forward to having a better season."

Source: PA