Former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has announced his immediate retirement from professional football.

Former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has announced his immediate retirement from professional football.

Lucas, who has earned Kop hero status among supporters, made 346 appearances for the Reds during a 10-year stay at Merseyside.

The 36-year-old was temporarily out of action after a heart problem was discovered during pre-season tests with youth club Gremio in December.

The midfielder has now made the decision after further investigation to hang up his boots and confirmed his withdrawal at a press conference on Friday.

As part of a social media post, Lucas said: “The day has come to say goodbye to camp. I admit it comes from greater strengths, but I look back and can only be grateful for the career I’ve built.”

He added: “In 2007 I joined the giants Liverpool who have been a part of my life for 10 years. It is with great pride that I can say that Liverpool is my home today. I am proud to be an English citizen and with my family; I am Scouser!”

Lucas joined the Reds in 2007 from Brazilian side Gremio, where the defensive midfielder worked tirelessly to become a fan favorite at Anfield.

He crowned several caps for his national side during his tenure, winning the League Cup in 2012 – despite missing the final through a long-term injury – and helping Liverpool on their way to victory. Europa League final in 2016.

Lucas left Merseyside in 2017 for Italian Serie A club Lazio – where he spent five seasons and won a Coppa Italia winners’ medal in 2019 – before returning to Gremio in June 2022. ALL POSTS