Lucas Leiva has hinted that he may have to leave Liverpool to revive his international career.
The former Brazil Under-20 captain played his part in Liverpool’s stunning 4-1 demolition of Manchester United on Saturday, yet he still remains a bit-part player for The Reds.
Fighting with Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano for a midfield slot, Lucas has often suffered the chop as a result of some less-than-impressive displays.
Despite costly contributions at Wigan and Everton in particular this season, the Brazilian still believes he deserves more starts for the Anfield club.
Having won the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics last summer Lucas was only called up twice by Brazil in 2008, and the former Inter target admits he might need to consider his international future.
“I consider that I play a lot, but the internal competition is very high,” Lucas told Folha.
“The situation doesn’t worry me right now because my objective has always been to be playing in order to be back with the national team.
“Once the season is over I will see what the best option is for me. Everybody wants to be playing in the World Cup and I will push to have this chance.
“You have to play all the time if you want to be called up.”
Far from blaming Rafa Benitez for his current situation, Lucas appears to be mystified by coach Carlos Dunga’s decision not to call him up.
“I can hardly explain what happened, but Dunga makes his own decisions.
“I was in the squad in the last four World Cup qualifiers and played against Bolivia, during which the team didn’t play well.
“I believe that I’m part of a list of 30 or 40 players, but I’m out of the 22-men squad.”
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