NewsLucas Leiva announces retirement from football
Former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has announced his immediate retirement from professional football.
Lucas, who earned Kop hero status among supporters, made 346 appearances for the Reds across a 10-year stay on Merseyside.
The 36-year-old had temporarily stepped away from the game after a heart issue was detected during pre-season testing with boyhood club Gremio in December.
The midfielder has now taken the decision to hang up his boots following further examination, confirming his retirement in a press conference on Friday.
As part of a post on social media, Lucas said: “The day has come to say goodbye to the field. I confess that it came from greater forces, but I look back and can only be thankful for the career I built.”
He added: “In 2007 I transferred to the giant [that is] Liverpool, which was part of my life for 10 years. It is with great pride that I can say that today Liverpool is my home. I’m proud to be an English citizen and along with my family; I’m [a] Scouser!”
Lucas joined the Reds from Brazilian team Gremio in 2007, with the defensive midfielder working tirelessly to become a fan favourite at Anfield.
He earned a number of caps for his national side and a League Cup winner’s medal in 2012 during his spell – despite missing the final due to long-term injury – and helped Liverpool in their run to the Europa League final in 2016.
Lucas departed Merseyside in 2017, joining Serie A outfit Lazio in Italy – where he spent five seasons, picking up a Coppa Italia winner’s medal in 2019 – before re-joining Gremio in June 2022.
Everyone connected to Liverpool FC would like to wish Lucas the very best in his next chapter.