Lucas Leiva feared career end

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Levia has admitted that he feared his career was over after surgery on his knee last year.

The Brazilian has been out of action since last December after injuring his knee in the Carling Cup fifth-round win over Chelsea. While he feared the worst at the time, the 25-year-old is now hoping to be fit for the start of the upcoming season.

"To be honest, in a few moments I thought I couldn't come back anymore," admitted Lucas. "My main target now is to be okay to play a part next season.

"I am working every week and trying to improve every week and the main target is to be fit for the new season, if not for the start then after a few weeks.

"There is no need for me to be scared. Rather than stay protecting myself, I need to work on my head as well to come back and play the same way I was playing before."

Lucas joined Liverpool from Gremio in 2007.