Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva admits he was close to leaving Anfield for Besiktas this summer.

The 28-year-old appeared set to join the Turkish outfit on loan, only for an injury to Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson to open up a spot for Lucas in Brendan Rodgers' starting XI.

The Brazilian international has started for the Merseyside club in their last two Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and West Ham United.

"I think the last couple of years, every transfer window my name is [linked with a move]. It's been very intense," he told liverpoolfc.com.

"Of course there are times when you think you might have to move on and I was very close to moving, but one thing I will always have is commitment to this club.

"I've been here so long and I always said if I had the choice to be here and be happy, I would always choose Liverpool.

"When your future is in doubt, you might have to think of another solution, but I'm happy that it didn't happen and I'm here to fight for the club as I have been doing for eight years.

"I'm just looking forward to a good season and putting Liverpool back where it belongs. I have this chance to say I'm fully committed.

"I just need to now focus on my performance and help in the way the manager and the staff asked me to help. Hopefully, I'll be an important player for the club this season."