Lucas Leiva has revealed why the support he's received from fans made him desperate to return to Liverpool and continue his rehabilitation - and LFC TV Online subscribers can watch an exclusive interview with the Brazil midfielder online now.

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The 25-year-old flew back into the UK on Sunday after six weeks in his homeland, where he underwent surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament injury he sustained to his left knee during the Reds' Carling Cup quarter-final win at Chelsea on November 29.

Lucas is set to miss the remainder of the 2011-12 season, but he returned to Melwood on Monday morning to continue his rehabilitation.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I am really happy to be back. I've really missed my teammates and the atmosphere here, so that's why I decided to come back here to continue my rehab.

"I am still a long way away, but the knee is getting better and the rehab is going well. I have to make sure I complete a perfect rehab and be back as soon as possible.

"The next stage is to get the knee moving and in the next few weeks I'll start to walk again. Hopefully in a month's time I'll start in the gym and my programme and be able to work with weights.

"When you're on crutches you cannot do too much, so I can't wait to start my programme and get in the swimming pool and things like that.

"The physios and the doctors have told me the rehab is going well and progressing well. I am doing everything I can to help my knee recover."

During his time in Brazil, Lucas tuned into Liverpool's matches on television and often used his personal Twitter page to interact with supporters during the games.

It was an experience he admits he found helpful in overcoming his frustrations at not being able to play.

"One of the reasons I decided to come back is because I think it would be good to watch the games here and be closer to the fans," said Lucas.

"Since I've been out, I have tried to spend my time watching the games and using Twitter with the fans so I could be closer to them and closer to the club as well.

"Unfortunately I am not able to play, so I had to find another way to be involved in the games and using Twitter seemed like a good one.

"It's the first time in my career I have been out for a long period and using Twitter with the fans was a good way of not getting too frustrated and support my teammates."

Liverpool face two mouth-watering cup ties at Anfield this week.

The Reds first face Manchester City in the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday before taking on Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

Lucas is planning on being inside to cheer on his teammates from the stands - and he's confident they can achieve two positive results.

He said: "For sure I will be at Anfield, trying to support and also go into the dressing room.

"It won't be easy for me because it will be my first game at Anfield while I have been injured, but it is a really important game and we have a chance of getting to the final. Hopefully in February I can be at Wembley getting a medal!

"I am confident we can get two good results this week. We have shown against the big teams we are capable of winning against these type of teams. We have to believe.

"I know we didn't have a good result against Bolton, but now we will play in other competitions and against City we have a chance of getting to the final. I think the fans will be very excited and will support us throughout the 90 minutes."

Also in our exclusive interview with Lucas, he reveals...

* What he did during his time in Brazil
* How he felt following the first major operation of his career
* How the fans helped keep his spirits up
* How he regularly stayed in touch with his LFC teammates
* His thoughts on the fans' new Lucas Leiva song
* How his teammates welcomed him back at Melwood
* His message to Liverpool fans

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Watch the video here »