A former Liverpool star has been forced to retire from professional due to a heart condition.
Lucas Leiva held an emotional press conference on Friday at his boyhood club Gremio to announce he is hanging up his boots at the age of 36.
The Brazilian midfielder has not featured in competitive action since December a routine check-up shoed a cardiac anomaly, as per ESPN.
Read: Van Dijk Issues Specific 'Transfer Request' To Liverpool
"I thank Gremio for all the support in these three months," Lucas said in Friday's press conference.
"I am announcing my retirement.
"It has been a difficult period. It's the first time I cry in this case. I'm grateful for all this career time. I'm ending where I'd like to, but not the way I'd like to.
''I'm sure the new cycle will start brilliantly too. Thanks for everyone's patience. I had a lot of hope that I could reverse it, but that was not the case. My health comes first."
Lucas made his name at Anfield where notched up 345 appearances in ten years, before he moved to Serie A outfit Lazio in 2017.
"We're all with you, Lucas Leiva," Liverpool said in a social media post.
"Congratulations on a brilliant career and we wish you the very best in your next chapter."
