Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has revealed he turned
down an approach from Inter Milan to make the move to Anfield last
summer.
Liverpool fought off competition from a number of top
clubs across Europe to land the Gremio star and Lucas says he has
no regrets over his choice and now wants to knock Inter out of the
Champions League next week.
"I am the kind of person who likes a challenge," Lucas told the
club's official magazine.
"I was in a fortunate position at Gremio because I had achieved
some success and I was made a lot of very interesting offers -
offers which would have made a lot of money.
"Some of them were in Spain and it's true I had an enquiry from
Inter Milan too.
"They were all famous clubs but the Liverpool option stood out
from the first moment I heard of their interest.
"I had heard of them back in Brazil and we saw a lot of Premier
League matches so I was aware of what the manager was building here
at the club.
"I was interested in what they had to say from the first moment.
My father and my agent came across here to speak to Liverpool and
they were very impressed with everything.
"For me it was only a sporting project and a club that would
help me meet my ambitions and allow me to help them achieve
theirs."
"I could have gone to Spain or Italy and it would have been more
like I am used to. But I want to make the most of my career and I
want to challenge myself.
"I have friends from the international team at Inter, Cesar and
Maicon are great players and I will enjoy playing agaisnt them.
"But I would much rather play for Liverpool than Inter. That was
my decision then and it would be the same if I had to make it
again."
Lucas is confident Liverpool can overcome Inter when the two
sides lock horns in the last 16 of the Champions League next
week.
"I think we have the tools to beat Inter, but it will be an
exciting game and my first time - hopefully - playing at the San
Siro," added Lucas.