Lucas Leiva is finally feeling happy about his decision to join Liverpool, although he accepts he is yet to win over the Anfield faithful.
Lucas is not universally popular among the Liverpool support but Rafa Benitez is clearly a fan of the 23-year-old, who is one of just three Reds players to have figured in every Premier League game so far this season.
Liverpool have struggled both domestically and in Europe but Lucas, who has largely played alongside Javier Mascherano in a five-man midfield, believes the experience has made him a better player.
"I've learned a lot more about myself and become a stronger person and player. It made me desperate to prove people wrong," he told LFC Weekly.
"There have been times (in the past) when I thought I may have made the wrong decision but now I am sure that I have made the right one.
"My game has changed a lot since leaving Brazil. I was able to attack more at Gremio because I played with two defensive midfielders. In England you have more responsibility.
"I still think I have some work to do if all the fans are going to believe in me. I'm happy and feel I'm improving. But it isn't about me, it's about the club doing well."
Lucas' comments were backed up by Benitez, who still feels he made the right decision signing a player who at the time was very highly thought of by a number of top clubs.
"I know he can improve so much more," said Benitez.
"When I was talking about him before he signed, I was telling people we were signing the captain of Gremio - and he was only 19.
"That means something. You do not captain teams in Brazil at such a level at that age if you are not a strong character with a good mentality. Hopefully he will continue to grow with us."
