It's top secret! Lucas Leiva

By Dominic King for the Daily Mail

Who is your sporting hero?

Ayrton Senna. I was so young when he died but I have so many good memories about him. I have never seen anyone so strong and determined to be a winner. He will be loved in Brazil for ever.

What would you be if you weren't a sportsman?

That's a difficult question but I think I would probably work in economics or business administration. I am going to do a course on those subjects in the future.

Which other sportsman would you like to be?

I love tennis so I would like to be Roger Federer. His passion and attitude are amazing. The way he plays looks so easy but we all know how difficult it is to do what he does.

Career highlight?

I am lucky to have had plenty of good moments but the two that were remarkable for me were winning Brazil's Player of the Year award in 2006, as I was the youngest player to do that. The other was signing for Liverpool.

... and the worst moment?

When I was booed during a game for Liverpool at Anfield against Fulham in 2008. It hurt and I will never forget it but I had to move on. After that moment I started to be a stronger person and a better player.

If your house was burning down, what one possession would you save?

First I would make sure that my wife and my son were safe. Then I would get all my shirts from Gremio, Liverpool and Brazil.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Do everything right and be honest. It doesn't matter how long it will take to get the award and never put your head down and give up.

Favourite karaoke song?

La Bamba. Whenever we have dinner as a squad, I always sing that for the players. I'm pretty sure they like it!

Three most-listened to songs on your ipod?

Moves Like Jagger, Maroon 5. I also like two Brazilian groups, Fernando e Sorocaba and Victor e Leo. I'll listen to absolutely anything by them.

Last film you saw?

I haven't seen too many recently but I made sure I watched Senna as soon as I had the chance. I would strongly recommend it.

Favourite pre-match meal?

Salmon and brown pasta. That combination works very well indeed.

Your favourite holiday destination?

Brazil, so I can be close to my family and friends.

Tell us a secret...

During my first month at Liverpool I had some problems with the language, particularly when I was talking with Jamie Carragher (above). One day he was talking to me but it was so fast I didn't have a clue what he was saying, so I just said 'Yes' when he stopped speaking. He didn't look happy, so I said 'No', and he walked off, still not looking happy. Still to this day I have no idea what he was talking about.



