Lucas Leiva has signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool, the club announced on their official website earlier this evening.
The Brazilian midfielder, who has become a favourite with the club’s supporters over the last two seasons, has made 208 appearances for the Reds since he joined from Gremio in 2007.
After signing the extension to his current deal, Lucas told the website of his enjoyment during his time at Anfield.
[quote]I am really delighted to have the opportunity to play for this club. It’s where I think I belong and where I wanted to stay, so I am very happy and looking forward to a few more years here. It was an easy decision because after the long period of my career I have had here, I would like to give the best of my time to this club. It was not a difficult decision to make and I am really looking forward to what will hopefully be a few more years with a lot of success
Lucas[/quote]
Lucas had a difficult start to life at Anfield but has turned into one of the team’s most consistent performers over the last few years, culminating in a player of the year award in 2011, as voted for by the club’s fans.
Liverpool’s Managing Director, Ian Ayre, was complimentary of Lucas’ contributions to the club during the interview. He has been such a great servant to the club and I think during the period he went through with his two injuries, he put so much work into it and the club supported him through it, he said.
Ayre added, “He just goes from strength to strength. We said throughout last summer and January, we wanted to keep our best, experienced players, and this is another great example of that.”
Lucas joins a growing list of players including Daniel Agger and Raheem Sterling, who have signed new contracts with the club this season. After Jamie Carragher stated that he would retire at the end of the season – the club will look to retain the services of their living legend Steven Gerrard next.
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