Lucas Leiva has revealed that if he had not played a part in Liverpool's game against Arsenal last month, then he would have left Anfield.

The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move away from the club having been left out of the squad for the Reds' first two Premier League games.

However, an injury to captain Jordan Henderson resulted in Lucas being thrown into the starting lineup for Liverpool's goalless draw against the Gunners at the Emirates.

"Maybe if there hadn't been the Arsenal game, I wouldn't be here now but I always believe that things happen for a reason," FourFourTwo quotes Lucas as saying. "I'm very happy that I stayed and I will keep fighting for the club as I have been doing for the past eight years."

"Of course, I never wanted to leave Liverpool. I have a home here and my family are very happy but sometimes you do find yourself thinking about another solution if you think that will keep your career going."

The midfielder has been at Liverpool for the last eight years.