Lucas Leiva, a former midfielder for Liverpool, has retired at the age of 36 due to a heart issue.
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| Lucas Leiva |
The problem was found while being tested by Gremio, the Brazilian defensive midfielder's childhood team, for which he had signed a new contract.
Leiva spent 10 seasons at Anfield after being acquired by Liverpool for £5 million in 2007. He made 346 appearances throughout that time.
Leiva expressed her gratitude for her profession on social media.
"The time has come to bid the field farewell. I'll admit that stronger forces were involved."
In a sad press appearance, Leiva added: "I'm not ending as I'd like to, but where I'd like to. I was very hopeful that things might reverse, but that did not happen. I put my health first."
Once Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso left the Liverpool midfield, he was able to establish himself as a regular starter.
Leiva won the League Cup in 2012 despite being injured and missing the championship game. In the 2016 Europa League final, which Jurgen Klopp's team lost to Sevilla 3-1, Leiva was not utilized as a substitute.
His 247 Premier League appearances for Liverpool rank fourth all-time among Brazilians in the history of the league.
Leiva signed a £5 million contract with Lazio in 2017 and later helped the Serie A team win the Coppa Italia. He also received 24 Brazil appearances.