The ultimate guide to Lucas
Before celebrating his 26th birthday this week, Lucas Leiva sat down with Match magazine to offer a unique insight into his mind. Here's what our Brazilian ace had to say...
At school...
I was a good student. I used to enjoy going to school and I was very good at sports. Apart from that, I was also quite good at maths.
My heroes were...
Romario and Ronaldo. Romario was fantastic at the 1994 World Cup, and Ronaldo scored two goals in the 2002 final. Outside football, it was F1 driver Ayrton Senna.
My proudest moment...
Was when my son, Pedro Lucas, was born nearly two years ago. It's been the best thing that has happened in my life so far. It was an emotional time and I love being a father.
I really hate...
English tea with milk - it is absolutely terrible! There are no foods that I really hate. I eat a lot of Brazilian food like beans, rice and meat. If I don't like it, I just don't eat it.
My No.1 possession...
Is definitely my mobile phone - I don't know what I'd do without it. It is easily my best friend and helps me keep my life organised.
I'm not good at...
Football...only joking! I'm not very good at cooking. I just don't like it. If I have to cook, I'll try something simple or I'll be hungry, but I hate having to do it.
I'm scared of...
Snakes. Whether they're really small or massive ones with sharp fangs, I hate them. I'm also scared of dying, but snakes are something I don't like. At least you hardly see them in England.
My biggest scar...
Is a long one on my left knee. I got it after injuring my cruciate ligament playing against Chelsea last season. I'm very happy to be back playing again after such a long time out.