It’s been a long, strange trip for young Lucas Leiva since he first stepped foot on the Anfield pitch for the first time in the summer of 2007. The midfielder was a highly publicised signing, after he made his way from Brazilian side Gremio for around £6 million to Merseyside — quickly becoming a star-in-waiting.

But things haven’t gone according to plan since then. The absence of Xabi Alonso in the midfield forced Rafa Benitez’s hand in bringing Lucas along quicker than he would have liked. And it’s shown. Whilst the midfielder has shown signs of brilliance at times, he’s definitely had his moments where you realise he’s still growing as a player each time he steps out on the pitch.

AnfieldRed had the opportunity to chat with the Brazilian recently about playing in the Premier League, his relationship with the fans, as well as his feeling on Xabi Alonso’s summer departure to Real Madrid.

You can read the whole Lucas interview here – we’ve posted some excerpts below:

“Frank Lampard is guy that I admire for his combination of qualities. The guy is tough, intelligent and skillful.

“In a club like Liverpool it’s like trying to play for Brazil: you have to fight your corner at every game. The fans will be by your side if they trust you but you can never take them for granted.

“Every time I walk onto the pitch at Anfield and see that sea of scarves, I feel butterflies in my stomach. People here are crazy about football. Liverpool fans seem to be a bit more passionate since they have been craving for the Premiership title.”

Read the full Lucas Leiva interview here.