Lucas Leiva spoke of his pride after being named 2015-16 Player of the Year by the Liverpool FC Former Players Association.

The Brazilian international, who arrived on Merseyside from Gremio in 2007, was presented with the accolade at a glittering awards ceremony in Liverpool city centre.

On receiving the honour at the Hilton Hotel, Lucas told Liverpoolfc.com: “I’m really proud. I’ll be honest, I was surprised when I found out.

“It was a really good [feeling]. I’m really happy to know that the former players have a lot of respect for me.

“They are people who have won many things with the club, and the more years I’ve been here I know more about them and I feel that they feel that I am one of them – not a former player, but someone who has been here for a long time and who is loyal.

“It was a privilege for me to receive this nice award from people that understand the game as well, so it makes me very proud.”

Explaining the reasons for presenting Lucas with this award, Kop legend John Aldridge, chairman of the Liverpool FC Former Players Association, said: “Lucas has had a fantastic season and he thoroughly deserves this award.

“He played at centre-half in the Capital One Cup final against Manchester City and was our best player.

“You know what you are going to get from Lucas every time he puts on that red shirt.”