Last Updated: Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:52
Lucas Leiva is determined to prove he was right to choose Liverpool over Inter Milan last summer by helping dump them out of Europe.
The 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder has progressed well at Anfield this season after joining in a £6million deal from Gremio in his homeland. He grabbed his first goal for the club in the 5-2 FA Cup win over Havant and Waterlooville in late January and started in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Chelsea.
However Lucas has set his sights on featuring in the Champions League last-16 first leg home tie against Italian Serie A giants Inter Milan next Tuesday as he looks to prove he made the correct decision.
He told the Daily Post: "I was in a fortunate position at Gremio because I had achieved some success and I was made a lot of very interesting offers - offers which would have made a lot of money.
"Some of them were in Spain and it's true I had an enquiry from Inter Milan too.
"I could have gone to Spain or Italy and it would have been more like I am used to. But I want to make the most of my career and I want to challenge myself.
"They were all famous clubs but the Liverpool option stood out from the first moment I heard of their interest.
"I had heard of them back in Brazil and we saw a lot of Premier League matches so I was aware of what the manager was building here at the club.
"I have friends from the international team at Inter; Cesar and Maicon are great players and I will enjoy playing against them.
"But I would much rather play for Liverpool than Inter. That was my decision then and it would be the same if I had to make it again.
"I think we have the tools to beat Inter, but it will be an exciting game and my first time - hopefully - playing at the San Siro."