Lucas Leiva reveals why he left Liverpool for Lazio

Brazil international Lucas Leiva has revealed that he has settled quickly to life in the Serie A following his switch from Liverpool during the summer transfer window. The 30-year-old made nearly 350 appearances during his 10-year stay in Merseyside but decided for a fresh challenge after being used as a backup option by Jurgen Klopp in recent seasons. In a recent interview, Leiva was pleased to have made the switch during the summer, and he is now relishing the opportunity of playing regularly with Lazio, who have made strong progressed in the Serie A this campaign, he said:

"After ten years in Liverpool I was looking for a new challenge. The team, the league and the city had all an impact on my decision to come here. I still have many friends in Liverpool, including Steven Gerrard. He was an amazing footballer and he taught me a lot as captain. Now I am here and I settled in quickly. That's because I came in an organized team, where almost everyone already knew each other."

Leiva's departure from Anfield has not had much of an impact at Anfield with Emre Can having transformed into a key player for the Reds in the starting line-up. Initially, Can tended to make errors which did not go well with the faithful, but he has improved his performances this season contributing goals and assists for club and country.

Meanwhile, Lazio have looked competent this season, starting from their Italian Super Cup triumph over Juventus in early August. The Capital outfit are currently fifth in the standings with 28 points, and they look on course to push through the campaign in order to claim a Champions League spot. The Serie A outfit have always been thereabout in the pursuit of the European spots, and this season provides them an added incentive with UEFA permitting the fourth spot to qualify for next season's Champions League.