Liverpool"s Lucas Leiva has admitted that his time at the club has given him his chance with the Seleção and hopes to establish himself in Felipe Scolari"s 2014 World Cup plans.
The former Grêmio midfielder believes the move from attacking midfield to a more disciplined position as the anchorman of Liverpool"s setup has benefitted him as a player.
"I used to play in a very offensive position for Grêmio but when Mano Menezes, the [former] Brazil manager, called me up for the national team he knew I was playing as a more defensive midfielder for Liverpool," the midfielder said.
"He didn’t want me to be the player I was at Grêmio. I’m happy in this position now. It was the way that I felt comfortable in the Premier League and you have to adapt.
"People are looking at Brazil in a different way from five years ago which shows how important the country is for the world at the moment.
"So I’m excited and really hoping to be in the World Cup squad and looking forward to watching the Olympics when it will be winter in Rio but still nice weather.
"It’s a privilege to have both tournaments in our country."
