Lucas: I am forever grateful to Benitez

Lucas Leiva has revealed he will be forever thankful to Rafael Benitez, the manager who Lucas will face this Saturday as Newcastle travel to Anfield.

The player believes it is going to be a special day for the manager, the players and the fans with Benitez returning to Anfield, but remains adamant all personal feelings will be put to one side during the game.

"For the fans it will be special to meet Rafa again. He was a very successful manager here and I know the fans love him," he told the club's official website.

"Of course, he is coming in a difficult situation, fighting against relegation. They need the three points, he needs the three points. But when the referee blows the whistle, we need to play for Liverpool and try to get three points."

The Brazilian went on to say that he owes much of his success at the club to Benitez, as it was Benitez who brought him in, and also supported him in his early days, paving the way for his 9 year spell at the club, in which he has made over 300 appearances.

"I remember talking to him on the phone. He called me a couple of times and called my father a few times," he said.

"I was only 20 at that time so it was a very special period before I signed with Liverpool. I had some very difficult moments at the beginning here, and he really supported me.

"He never gave up and was always very keen to show me what I needed to improve and the way I should do it.

"I will always be grateful because I think if it was another manager or a manager that was not so patient, I probably wouldn't be here now. It was very important for me.

"Rafa always supported me and was very important for me in the time he was here. I will always be grateful for what he has done for me, but when the game starts we have to play for our shirt, our fans and our club.

"After the game finishes, for sure we will be able to talk and share good moments again."