Lucas Leiva has announced the end of his playing career after undergoing tests for a heart problem.
The former Liverpool and Lazio midfielder was forced to withdraw from training at Brazilian club Gremio in December after the discovery was made during a routine screening.
After spending some time to evaluate and undergo further tests, Lucas confirmed at a press conference on Friday that he has decided to call time on his playing days.
Firstly I would like to thank Gremio for all the support in these three months, a tearful Lucas said. Today, I am announcing my retirement.
It s been a difficult period, I think this is the first time I ve cried over this case. But I can only thank you. I m ending where I d like, not the way I d like. But I m sure a new cycle will begin.
I had a lot of hope that it could reverse, but it was not the case. My health comes first.
Obrigado por tudo, .
— Grêmio FBPA (@Gremio)
Lucas was joined by Gremio president Alberto Guerra, vice president Paulo Caleffi, coach Renato Portaluppi and team-mate Pedro Geromel, as well as doctors Marcio Dornelles and Paulo Rabaldo.
Dr Dornelles revealed that the Brazilian s diagnosis was scarring in the myocardium. Further testing showed no change after three months away from football activity, and as a result, it was recommended that Lucas end his career.
Lucas made 337 appearances during a 10-year spell with Liverpool where he became a fan favourite at Anfield despite a difficult start, before joining Serie A giants Lazio in 2017.
After leaving Italy at the end of last season, the former Brazil international re-joined Gremio – the club where he began his career.
Gremio won promotion back to Brazil s top tier in 2022 after finishing second in Serie B, with Lucas scoring in the 3-0 win over Nautico that clinched it.
