Lucas: It will be just like old times again
Lucas Leiva insists he is relishing the prospect of being reunited with a host of former teammates when the Anfield All-Star charity game gets underway on Sunday afternoon.
The Brazilian is one of a handful of current Reds stars who have not travelled away on international duty with their countries - so the No.21 is available for the event and will take his place in Jamie Carragher's side.
He'll be joined by the likes of former Reds Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina, while within the opposition's ranks will be Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez and Ryan Babel. See the full line-ups here.
Lucas remains in close contact with many of the participants and he's looking forward to catching up with old friends during the showpiece clash, which you can watch exclusively live on LFCTV and LFCTV GO.
Asked specifically about the prospect of meeting up with Suarez, Lucas told Liverpoolfc.com: "We still keep in touch sometimes, but there are other players like Xabi, who I keep in touch with, Pepe and Arbeloa and Babel.
"They are the ones who I most keep in touch with. I still keep in contact with [Martin] Kelly and there are many players I played with. It will be very nice to have them back and just chat and have fun.
"The idea of the game is to see them get the appreciation of the fans which is important, and hopefully maybe in many years' time if I have the chance to come back I'll get the same.
"It will be good to see them back and it will feel like old times. I'm looking forward to getting some minutes as well which will help me to get ready for the Premier League and FA Cup games."
On Torres, the man who scored 81 goals in 142 Liverpool games and was a teammate of Lucas' from 2007 to 2011, the Brazilian said: "I think he will get a good reception, I have no doubt about that.
"Of course when he was at Chelsea it was normal [for the fans to boo] but he will be here as a former Liverpool player and what he's done for the club, which was incredible. I'm sure he is going to get a good reception and we all know that he likes Liverpool.
"It's a chance for a few of the players to say the right goodbye and meet again with the fans, which is fair. Having them back just shows how much the club means for them, so it will be good."
The game, which is being organized by the Liverpool FC Foundation, the Reds' official charity, will bring much needed support to vital charitable organisations in the city.
Alder Hey Children's Hospital, will benefit from the game, as will Claire House Children's Hospital, Centre56, Cash for Kids and Positive Futures.
"I think it's going to be a good event," said Lucas. "First of all it's a good cause to help and Stevie did that with his testimonial as well."
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