Lucas Leiva

Belgium international Divock Origi has expressed his delight after he made the match-winning contribution during the recent Merseyside derby against Everton. The Reds appeared on course to settle for a third-straight goalless game against the Toffees in the Premier League but they managed to find the breakthrough in the dying stages following a mistake from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford which Origi capitalised upon.

Speaking after the game, Origi was delighted with his late impact for the Reds despite being out of contention during the first half of the current campaign, he told the club’s official website: “It’s unbelievable. Derbies are always special, I’ve played in a couple of them and I’ve scored in a couple of them but this one was the most crucial one, so it is very, very special for me.I had the first chance and it was Virg, so I knew there was an open ball. Then I just played on my instinct, I was so hungry to help the team and give whatever I could. I had a good action before down the side but I wanted to be in [the box]. Thank God, it came in front of me.”

Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva has indicated that he does not have plans to step down from the game any sooner but refused to confirm whether Lazio would remain the final team of his playing career. The 31-year-old is currently in his second season with the Capital outfit after joining from Liverpool and he is supposedly not looking much into the future.

Speaking ahead of the Europa League game against Apollon Limassol, he said: “I’m still not thinking about finishing my career. I’m very happy here, I’m content and Lazio have given me something extra as a player. Brazil is always in my mind, but I’m not thinking about the future too much. I’m only thinking about the present and Lazio. I’ve felt good here from the first day, at home, I have a good relationship with my teammates and the staff and everyone has made me feel welcome.”

Lazio president Claudio Lolito has stressed that the club had never put Sergej Milinkovic-Savic up for sale during the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old had been associated with both Chelsea and Manchester United following the summer World Cup but the transfer interest has since faded with Lazio deemed to have placed a £100m price tag on his head.

Speaking to reporters, Lolito clarified that Milinkovic-Savic was never placed in the transfer market in the first place but the club may consider any significant offers for the Serbian before the transfer deadline, he said: “I did not put on sale Milinkovic, as in all things, absurd offers will be evaluated, in the exclusive interest of the club. However, I have not ever perceived an emolument, unlike many other colleagues of mine.”

Former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is unlikely to be reunited with his former teammates Steven Gerrard, who is the manager at Rangers. Immediately after taking over the Scottish club in the summer, Steven Gerrard has been actively trying to improve the squad by bringing in a number of former Liverpool stars, who he has played with during his time at the Merseyside club. Regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation,Gerrard did not seem to have a major struggle with regard to attract his former teammates to the Ibrox stadium. However, the stumbling block has come in the form of the transfer budget at Rangers.

Lucas Leiva played for several campaigns with Gerrard and he is currently with Lazio. The midfielder made the switch to the Italian club last summer. After experiencing reasonable success at the Italian club, it was expected that Lucas will answer to the calls of Gerrard. However, the 31-year-old may not be moving to Scottish football after Rangers do not seem to have the budget to match Lucas’ wage demands. Gerrard has already made significant changes to the Rangers squad by bringing in no less than seven players. Former Reds like John Flanagan andOvieEjaria have also moved the capital club.

Brazil international Lucas Leiva has admitted that it was the toughest decision of his life to part ways with Liverpool but he had to make the decision for the betterment of his professional career. Speaking to Four Four Two, the former Gremio graduate highlighted the passion from the Reds’ supporters towards him and cited he would always have affection towards the club despite his exit.

He said:“Yes, that’s for sure. I spent a lot of time thinking about it, but I believe it was the best for me. Life is made of cycles, and I came to the conclusion that my time at the club had come to an end. But my affection for the club and fans will remain forever. I get lots of nice messages from them. I really do have this special feeling for Liverpool and the fans – it’s something that will never change.”

Brazil international Lucas Leiva has given a reflection on his first season with Lazio. The 31-year-old ended his ten-year association with Liverpool last summer in order to head to Rome and he has since transformed his game with an improved sense of attacking intent. Leiva only managed seven goals for Liverpool over the course of a ten-year career but with Lazio, he has already managed four goals in the space of just 12 months.

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Leiva admitted that Klopp always encouraged him to push further up the field and he has now begun to take more risks without letting the team being exposed, he said: “I’ve been working on this. I remember Klopp as well, he said a few times to me I could score a few goals. But it was something in my head that was blocking me and I had a different perception.

Newly-appointed Rangers manager Steven Gerrard spoke fondly about Lucas Leiva during a recent interview with Corriere dello Sport. The former England international shared a good camaraderie with Leiva during their time together at Liverpool and he spoke about some of the midfielder’s qualities with the Italian publication.

He said:“I wish Lucas the best of luck for the rest of his career. He is certainly one of the best people I have met during my time in football, throughout my career. I have enormous respect for Lucas, both as a player and as a person. He is one of the most professional players I have ever played alongside. He gave his very best every time he represented Liverpool. You can talk about what he gives to the team, in terms of their style of play. As a human being, Lucas has immense qualities that are just as important as his ability as a footballer.”

Agent Mateja Kezman has revealed that there has been not any agreement in regards to Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s departure from Lazio in the summer. The Serbia international has turned heads across Europe after a standout campaign in the Lazio shirt and this has spread speculation of him pursuing a big-money move elsewhere.

Lazio midfielder Lucas Leiva has admitted that qualifying for the Champions League remains the club’s main aim for the current campaign. The Brazilian has suggested that Lazio are eager to compete in the elite competition, and they do not mind progressing through a top-four league finish or by winning the Europa League altogether.

BBrazil international Lucas Leiva believes Lazio can go all the way and lift the Europa League title this term. The 31-year-old bagged his second European goal of the season in the 2-0 win at Dynamo Kiev, and this ensured that Lazio progressed to the quarter-final stage of the competition with a 4-2 aggregate win over their Ukrainian rivals.