News

Liverpool legend Lucas Leiva announces retirement

17 Mar 2023
Lucas Leiva

Brazilian with 247 Premier League appearances says Anfield will always be his home

Related Articles
Lucas Leiva announces retirement from football External Link
Stevie on Lucas: I smile when I think of him External Link
Lucas Leiva's Liverpool career in numbers External Link

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

The 36-year-old had already stepped away from the sport after a heart issue was detected last year by his boyhood club Gremio. 

He now says his health must come first and that he is proud to have played for Liverpool in a distinguished career.

"The day has come to say goodbye to the field,” he said in a statement. “I confess that it came from greater forces, but I look back and can only be thankful for the career I built.

“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 Scouser!”

Lucas made 247 Premier League appearances, the fourth-most by a Brazilian in the competition’s history. He represented his country 24 times. 

He played across 10 seasons for Liverpool, joining them in 2007 and departing as a club legend to join Lazio six years ago.

"Even though he's not going to be at Liverpool anymore he is leaving a legacy behind," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said at the time.

"He set the standards of what it is to be a Liverpool player and by doing that he gave all of us an example to follow."

Latest Videos

More Videos

Video is currently not available.

06 Oct 2024

Brighton v Spurs: Watch 10 of the BEST GOALS

Enjoy some of the best strikes from previous meetings between these teams, featuring Connolly, Son and more

Your details have been submitted successfully.

You have already entered this competition. Please check your email for further information.

Your details have been submitted successfully.

Create a Premier League account

Continue

You are logged in as

Enter your details to submit your entry.