As he is closing on celebrating his 10 years at the club, Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has told ESPN Brazil he had opportunities to leave Anfield during the summer.

What's the word?

Well, amid Jurgen Klopp's overhaul on Merseyside, the stoic Brazilian was linked with moves away to both Turkey and Championship outfit Newcastle United. With so much depth in the Reds' midfield, the 29-year-old was beginning to look expendable.

Still, he has revealed he is happy to stay with the Kop titans and continue his working relationship with the charismatic German coach.

“There really were a few exit opportunities, they ended up not happening, Liverpool didn’t feel comfortable to seal a deal'', said the former Gremio man.

''For the time I’ve been here, I respected the club and stayed for another year, for this season, starting my tenth season for the club, which is a very cool mark.”

Thoughts on the Klopp factor?

Across his pretty much decade in the Premier League, the former Selecao international has seen it all unfold at the club.

Playing under a number of different managers, he was part of the side that won the League Cup under Kenny Dalglish back in 2011.

As the Reds look to embark on a new era under the stewardship of the 49-year-old boss, Leiva has given his seal of approval.

“My relationship with Klopp is very good, I have full confidence from him. Last year there were eight or nine months to know a little more about the way he wants the team to work.''

“And this year, with a full pre-season with him and new signings, we started the Premier League very well.''

''So we expect to be able to have a different year than last year in relation to titles, last year we got to two finals and we lost the two, and this year we expect it to be different.”

Will he play much?

Though not a fixture in the first-team, Lucas' ever emerging versatility is likely to stand him in good stead across the duration of the season.

The engine room is currently pretty packed at Liverpool, though he was handed a starting berth in central defence as they thumped champions Leicester City earlier this season.

Despite his howler gifting the Foxes a goal, he's a solid option across the park for Klopp as the season progresses.