Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes that former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has allowed Brazilians to believe they can succeed in Europe.
Lucas, 25, came through a tough start to his Liverpool career to become a much respected figure in the Reds" first-team, but believes his success and that of those who have followed owes much to the hard work of Gilberto before him.
The former Grêmio midfielder told FourFourTwo magazine: “A few years ago we would only see defensive Brazilian players adapting here. Juninho [at Middlesbrough] was the exception, but I think it was actually Gilberto Silva [at Arsenal] who really confirmed that Brazilians could succeed in England.
“Now we have lots of Brazilians, like Rafael, Fabio, Anderson, Sandro, Gomes, Julio Cesar, Ramires, David Luiz, Oscar. I think the mentality of Brazilians is also improving, in terms of adapting."
It has recently been announced that Gilberto Silva will make a long-awaited return to Atlético Mineiro next season, with his contract at Grêmio shortly to come to an end.
