Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has stated that he never wanted to leave Anfield.

There was a lot of speculation surrounding the future of Lucas at Liverpool this summer after the midfielder was completely left out of the match day squads for the Reds' first two Premier League matches of the season.

Lucas eventually remained put at Anfield and has now managed to play his way back into the team. Now the Brazilian has gone on to speak regarding the speculation surrounding his future this summer and has stated that he never wanted to leave Liverpool despite being frozen out of the team.

The midfielder said: "I was very frustrated that I couldn't make the squad for the first two games, but I had to keep training and working hard because we have a lot of examples where football can change in a moment.

"Of course, I never wanted to leave Liverpool. I have a home here and my family are very happy. But sometimes you do find yourself thinking about another solution if you think that will keep your career going.

"A couple of things happened during the first couple of games that gave me the chance to play against Arsenal, and I believe it was because I was training so hard and was well prepared that I was able to come in and have a good game."