The 25-year-old feels the club still has a long way to go before they can compete at the top level, but insists they are now on the right track under manager Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes the recent trend of key players signing new deals at the club points to a belief that the team can be successful again in the future.

With the likes of Luis Suarez, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Raheem Sterling and Martin Kelly all committing to long-term renewals this season, Lucas extended his existing contract – which still had two years left to run on it – on Wednesday.

And the Brazilian feels that it all stems from an inherent belief that the club can once again become a major force to be reckoned with, with Lucas tipping them to challenge for silverware in the coming years.

“If I didn’t believe, I don’t think I would have signed a new deal,” Lucas told the club’s official website. “I think that’s why we’ve seen a lot of players signing new deals – because we really believe this club will be back where it should be.

“The last two or three years have had some difficult moments for the club but I think keeping these players and getting help from new players will be important for us, and we’ll work really hard to do whatever we can to put Liverpool back fighting for titles and in games the fans are really looking forward to.

“When I retire I would like to look back and see that my career at Liverpool has been a successful one. That means winning – and I still believe we can win important things here.

“Maybe it hasn’t been as quick as I or everybody would have wanted but I am sure in a few years’ time we will be celebrating some important titles.”

With the club currently sat in seventh place in the Premier League table and with little left to play for this term, Lucas admitted that manager Brendan Rodgers played a big part in him signing his new deal and that he is already excited about continuing to work under him.

He added: “Brendan played a big part in my new deal. I spoke with him a few times before we agreed the new contract. He has been a very good manager for all of us and we’re really looking forward to next season.

“We know how he works and how he wants us to play and everyone is looking forward to having a better season. I am really delighted to have the opportunity to play for this club.

“It’s where I think I belong and where I wanted to stay. It was an easy decision because after the long period of my career I have had here I think I would like to give the best of my time to this club.

“It was not a difficult decision to make and I am really looking forward to what will hopefully be a few more years with a lot of success.”