Liverpool Midfielder Lucas Open To Atletico Madrid Move

Lucas Leiva has opened the door for a possible move to the Primera Division to join as he struggles to nail down a permanent first team place at Anfield under Benitez. Despite a strong showing last term following his transfer from Gremio, the 22-year-old Brazilian has been limited to substitute appearances this campaign and he has not ruled out an exit in order to find regular playing time.

Accompanying his uncle, Leivinha, a well-known former Atletico Madrid striker, to an interview with Radio Marca, Lucas revealed, “I have come close to joining Atletico before and I do not discard the possibility of playing for the rojiblancos. But for now, I am happy at Liverpool.”

Leivinha, however, quickly interjected by saying, “Leiva is still a young lad and perhaps in a few seasons’ time, he could play for Atletico.”

Lucas then looked ahead to the Merseysiders’ second leg Champions League clash with Atleti’s fierce city foes, Real Madrid this Tuesday.

“We will have to strive at Anfield if we want to make it to the quarter-finals,” he warned. Lucas is not the only player in the Reds payroll who could end up in the red-and-white of Atletico in the future. Goalkeeper, Pepe Reina has also previously expressed a strong desire to move to the Vicente Calderon, the ground where his father, Miguel Reina, made his name.

Goal.com