Lucas Leiva was 'very close' to leaving Liverpool during summer transfer window

Liverpool star Lucas Leiva confirmed he was "very close" to leaving Anfield during the summer transfer window but eventually decided to stay after deciding that the Merseysiders will always be his first choice.

The Brazilian midfielder has urged his side to respond to the disappointing defeat against West Ham before the international break before the visit to Manchester United on Saturday 12 September.

The 28-year-old midfielder has played an important role at the club since his arrival from Gremio in 2009 but his future came under scrutiny in the last days of the transfer window after he failed to feature in the two first Premier League games of the campaign Stoke City and Bournemouth.

Reports then claimed that the Brazilian was on the verge of making the move to Besiktas after the transfer chief of the Turkish club himself, Erdal Torunoğulları, confirmed talks of acquiring his services.

But after Brendan Rodgers was forced to start him in the 0-0 draw at Arsenal after injury to Jordan Henderson, the manager announced a u-turn in the saga saying he was "the best defensive midfielder" in his ranks.

Leiva has now confirmed the speculation was true but he is now ready to put that behind him in order to have a successful campaign at Anfield.

"It's been very intense [the window]. I think the last couple of years, every transfer window my name is [linked with a move]," he said to the club website.

"Of course there are times when you think you might have to move on and I was very close to moving but one thing I will always have is commitment to this club."

The Brazilian, nevertheless, says his latest decision is proof that Liverpool will be always his first choice ahead of any other club.

"I've been here so long and I always said if I had the choice to be here and be happy, I would always choose Liverpool," he said. "When your future is in doubt, you might have to think of another solution, but I'm happy that it didn't happen and I'm here to fight for the club as I have been doing for eight years.

"I'm just looking forward to a good season and putting Liverpool back where it belongs. I have this chance to say I'm fully committed," Leiva added. "I've been here so long and I really love this club, I just need to now focus on my performance and help in the way the manager and the staff asked me to help. Hopefully, I'll be an important player for the club this season."

After taking part in the disappointing 3-0 defeat against the Hammers, Leiva is now hoping his side will get to back to winning ways.

Rodgers' side will visit Old Trafford on Saturday before their first Europe League game of the campaign against Bordeaux on Thursday.

"We just have to move on and learn and hopefully, going forward, we don't make the same mistakes," he said. "That's what we need to do now, we have a busy schedule and this could be an important month for us."