Ex-Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva retires from football aged 36

Former Liverpool and Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva has introduced his retirement from football on the age of 36 following the prognosis of a coronary heart situation.

Again in December, it was introduced that Lucas can be compelled to take an indefinite break from football after a routine scan confirmed irregular cardiac rhythms.

The ex-Brazil worldwide had ended his stint in Europe to return to boyhood membership Gremio in the summertime of 2022, however he was unable to participate of their pre-season coaching schedule because of the prognosis.

Three months on from the invention of his coronary heart situation, Lucas has now tearfully hung up his boots, bidding an emotional farewell to Gremio throughout a press convention with membership chiefs and medical doctors.

“First I want to thank Grêmio for all of the help in these three months. As we speak I’m saying my retirement. It has been a tough interval, I believe that is the primary time I’ve cried over this case,” Leiva instructed the media, as quoted by Globo.

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“However I can solely thanks. I am ending the place I would like, not the best way I would like. However I am positive a brand new cycle will start. I had plenty of hope that it may reverse, however it was not the case. My well being comes first.”

Physician Marcio Dornelles was additionally current on the press convention, throughout which he confirmed that Lucas had been recognized with myocardium scarring, and the midfielder was suggested to finish his skilled profession after no adjustments have been famous for the reason that preliminary discovery of his situation.

“After evaluating this fibrosis and the dangers we discovered for this pathology, we suggested Lucas to not proceed with high-performance actions as a result of it may pose well being dangers, considered one of which may have arrhythmias, and severe well being dangers,” Dornelles mentioned.

Lucas loved his first foray into football with Gremio, breaking into the senior workforce and incomes a €10m (£8.8m) transfer to Liverpool in the summertime of 2008, and he would turn into a fan favorite throughout a nine-year spell at Anfield.

The South American scored seven targets and offered 21 assists in 346 video games for the Reds, successful one EFL Cup within the 2011-12 marketing campaign earlier than transferring to Lazio for €5.7m (£5m) in 2017.

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Instantly establishing himself as a significant participant for the Biancocelesti, Lucas scored 4 targets and offered 12 assists in 198 matches in Italy, successful one Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana crowns within the course of.

Lucas returned to Gremio for the second half of the 2022 season, scoring three targets in 17 video games because the Immortal Tricolor completed second in Serie B to earn promotion again to the highest flight.

Gremio president Alberto Guerra left the door open for Lucas to return to the membership in a non-playing capability sooner or later, saying: “I needed to congratulate you on the profitable profession within the golf equipment you handed, Gremio, Liverpool and Lazio.

“It is all very latest, I am very blissful that you’ll go on with a traditional life. I wish to say on behalf of all of the Gremistas that few have represented us such as you, that is why so many individuals are moved by this second.

“I depart it right here that we offers you time, if you wish to relaxation, however if you wish to assist the membership, let’s speak. You’re a nice chief within the locker room that all of us be taught to respect.”

A 24-cap Brazil worldwide, Lucas represented his nation on the 2008 Olympics and 2011 Copa America, though he by no means performed in a World Cup for the Selecao.