Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has revealed he turned down Inter Milan to come to Merseyside - and now wants to prove he made the right decision.

While the Italian giants are cruising in their league, life has been much more difficult for Liverpool, and the two sides meet in the Champions League next week.

Lucas said: "I was in a fortunate position at Gremio because I had achieved some success and I was made a lot of very interesting offers - offers which would have made a lot of money,” he told Liverpool’s official magazine.

"Some of them were in Spain and it's true I had an enquiry from Inter Milan too.

"I could have gone to Spain or Italy and it would have been more like I am used to. But I want to make the most of my career and I want to challenge myself.

"They were all famous clubs but the Liverpool option stood out from the first moment I heard of their interest.

"I had heard of them back in Brazil and we saw a lot of Premier League matches so I was aware of what the manager was building here at the club.

"I have friends from the international team at Inter; Cesar and Maicon are great players and I will enjoy playing against them.

"But I would much rather play for Liverpool than Inter. That was my decision then and it would be the same if I had to make it again.

"I think we have the tools to beat Inter, but it will be an exciting game and my first time - hopefully - playing at the San Siro."