• Premier League

Lucas pens new Liverpool contract

Lucas has emerged as a vital shield ahead of Liverpool's back four © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Lucas 'stronger' after Brazil heartbreak
  
• News: Carroll is like a young Drogba - Joe Cole
  
• News: No need for Liverpool to rush Gerrard back - Dalglish
  

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has signed a new long-term deal at Anfield, the club have confirmed.

Lucas, 24, has committed himself to the Reds after enjoying one of his best seasons since Rafael Benitez signed him from Gremio in 2007.

The Brazil international was a much-derided figure among many fans during his early years on Merseyside, but Benitez, Roy Hodgson and now Kenny Dalglish have all placed their faith in him.

And following the departures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano in the summers of 2009 and 2010, Lucas has established himself as Liverpool's chief defensive midfield option.

"For me it was an easy decision because I know how big Liverpool are and I can see Liverpool are committed to me and are planning for a future with me,'' Lucas said. "The effort from the club was amazing and that makes me feel an important player.

"That's why it was an easy decision. I am pleased with the way Liverpool tried to keep me and now I want to keep doing my best for them. I don't think people thought I could stay here for so long, but now I want to just keep on improving.

"I am really happy. The last few weeks have been really good for me and now I have signed a new contract and can spend more years at Liverpool I will do my best all the time and try to help the club to be bigger and bigger, if that's possible.''

Meanwhile, on-loan Juventus midfielder Alberto Aquilani says he is willing to return to Liverpool at the end of the season if the Bianconeri do not want to sign him on a permanent deal.

Aquilani, 26, is on a season-long loan with Juve, having failed to impress in his first season at Anfield after joining from Roma.

Juventus do have the option to purchase Aquilani at the end of the current campaign, but if they do not exercise it, he is happy to go back to Anfield.

"The future? I'm at Juve, but I don't know what will happen," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I'm on loan and if I'm not retained I'd go back to Liverpool in the best league in the world. We'll see.''

Aquilani has also been linked with a move back to Roma, who are on the verge of being bought out by Thomas Di Benedetto, a partner of the company which owns Liverpool.

Asked if he would go back to the capital club, he said: "It is a delicate question. I would do, but I think it will be difficult. As a fan I'm curious to see what happens, especially if they begin to buy players and to revolutionise the team.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.