Lucas Leiva’s 10-year spell at Liverpool has ended with the Brazilian completing a reported £5 million switch to Lazio.
Signed by the Reds for the same amount from Gremio on May 11, 2007, he sat out Friday’s 1-1 friendly draw at Wigan Athletic to travel to Italy and finalise the move.
Both Liverpool and Lazio confirmed the deal Tuesday, for the midfielder, who also functioned at centre-back for Jurgen Klopp at times last season.
Having come close to departing Anfield several times over the past few transfer windows, Lucas has finally found a fresh challenge to accept.
He was recruited as a replacement for Lucas Biglia, who traded Lazio for AC Milan in a deal worth an initial £15m.
“Liverpool as a club and Liverpool as a city is a unique place. I think it’s different from everywhere,” he told Liverpool's official website. “The fans are a big part of the club, probably the most important part of the club, and without them Liverpool wouldn’t be the same club I would say.
“Thank you for all the support, especially in difficult times, that’s when it means a lot. We all know that Liverpool fans are really special and they were always here for me.
“I’ll always be watching and supporting Liverpool and for sure I’ll be back, in the city to visit friends and watch games in the future.”
The 30-year-old made 346 appearances for the Merseysiders during his decade of service and was Liverpool’s longest-serving player at the time of his exit.
