Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva says that he is ready to put his injury problems behind him and get back to top form following his return to first-team action on Saturday.
Lucas, 24, sustained a thigh injury in August and had not played since but managed to play the majority of the 90 minutes in the Merseysiders’ 1-0 win over Southampton.
The Brazil international is delighted with his comeback and even compared it to his debut as a professional in 2005.
He told Sky Sports: “I was really looking forward to the game and the feeling against Southampton was the same as my first match for Gremio.
“I played more minutes than people were expecting and now it is just a question of games and training sessions, which is the only way I will get to the level I was.
“I think it was really positive, especially as it is a year since my first injury. I was really pleased with the performance. I need to improve a lot but that is a good step I have made.”
The 25-year-old has become a favourite at Anfield in recent times and wanted to thank the Liverpool supporters for their help.
Lucas added: “Everyone knows it has been a long journey for me to turn around the opinion of people but they really appreciate the work I do for the team and the passion I have for the club.”
Next up for Liverpool is a trip to Udinese on Thursday for their second-leg Europa League clash, where Lucas will be looking to build on his comeback.
