Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has admitted that he never thought he would play Champions League football.
Lallana was playing League One football with Southampton three years ago, and made a £25m switch to the Reds in the summer after impressing in the Premier League with the Saints.
The England international eventually made his debut in Europe's premier competition as Liverpool beat Ludogorets 2-1 at Anfield last month.
"I never thought I'd be part of the [Champions League]," Lallana told Sky Sports News. "I remember Real Madrid always doing well in it, and Liverpool have been out of it for a few years now. So when I signed in pre-season everyone was kind of talking about it and how we can't wait.
"The atmosphere for games, they said Anfield was rocking, so it's a special competition for Liverpool, and it's a pleasure and honour to be involved. The expectation for Liverpool is up there, it's always going to be, but we're ready for that.
"I feel every game, I'm getting better and knowing my teammates more. It's a great test for coming to Liverpool, I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I'll work hard and hopefully reap the rewards in the end."
Lallana misses out as Liverpool travel to Basel in the Champions League this evening. Catch live commentary of the game here.
Paul Gorst
