Liverpool Football Club have released a statement recording their thanks to Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva, who left the club after ten years this week. Lucas joins Serie A club Lazio in a £5m fee, having joined The Reds from Grêmio in 2007.
In an official statement, Liverpool paid tribute to the 30 year old midfielder, “Everyone at Liverpool FC thanks Lucas for his immense contribution to the club and wishes him and his family all the best for the future.”
Manager Jurgen Klopp added, “Whenever a player leaves a club it is always a sad moment, but even more so when the player is as popular and influential as Lucas.
“It goes without saying that all of the lads wish him the very best and from my own point of view I’ve got no doubt that he will be a success in Italy because he is one of the best professionals I have worked with.
“But even though he’s not going to be at Liverpool anymore he is leaving a legacy behind. 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 and that will continue after he has gone.”
