Lucas delight at annual award
Lucas Leiva spoke of his delight after picking up the Official Liverpool Supporters Club (OLSC) Merseyside branch Player of the Year award for 2010-11.
The Brazilian international arrived at Anfield to a standing ovation from members at their meeting and he engaged in a Q&A session when he thanked them for their wonderful support.
The meeting started with a moving silence in memory of Jessie Paisley before MC, Gary Flintoff from BBC Radio 5 Live, welcomed Lucas to the front table.
Receiving the award from Kop hero David Fairclough, Lucas told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It is very special for me to receive this award, especially at a moment in time which has been a really hard time for me being injured.
"This award gives me more energy and a lot of positives. The fans have given me the confidence and belief that I will be back soon, and I thank them so much for this award.
"I always enjoy meeting our supporters. It's always good to listen and talk to them. I just want to get back playing in a red shirt now as soon as possible."
Liverpool's No.21 also gave an update as he continues to work hard with the physios at Melwood following an operation on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
He added: "My rehabilitation is going really well and everything is going as planned.
"I'm doing a lot of work in the gym and working hard."
Paying tribute to Lucas after presenting him with the award, Fairclough added: "Lucas was a clear winner of the Player of the Year and there's no doubt that he deserved it.
"He mixed really well with the supporters and they appreciated his openness and approach and that goes a long way.
"He never hides and the way he has won over the supporters is a testament to how well he has done and the impact he has made."
The midfielder also picked up the prestigious Emlyn Hughes award from the OLSC, a trophy that has previously been awarded to the likes of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler and Sami Hyypia.
Fairclough said: "Barbara and Emlyn Junior sent some words of congratulations for Lucas and in that message it came out about Lucas's approach, his passion and enthusiasm for this club - all the things Emlyn was very much a part of.
"Emlyn was a fantastic player who epitomised the Liverpool spirit and I think he would be delighted to see Lucas win this award."
Les Lawson, branch chairman of the OLSC, added: "It was a great night. It was so unfortunate when Lucas got his injury and was back in Brazil having an operation when we had our Player of the Year dinner.
"He sent us a message of thanks saying he would come along to a branch meeting when he returned and he kept his word.
"Lucas is one of the most important players in our squad and we just hope he can get back as quickly as possible into the team."
OLSC treasurer Ray Hughes said: "Lucas is very fitting for this award. He was absolutely superb last season, going from strength to strength to be a key member of the team."
Here are some great pictures from the night
