In an emotional press conference, former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva announced his retirement from football after he was diagnosed with a heart condition.<br /><br />The 36-year-old, who returned to boyhood club Gremio last year after five years in Italy with Lazio, had temporarily stepped away from the game after a heart issue was detected during pre-season testing in December.<br /><br />After being advised to step away from high-performance activities by medical professionals because of the serious health risks, Leiva decided it was time to retire from the beautiful game.<br /><br />Speaking at Friday's press conference, he said: “It’s been a difficult period. I think this is the first time I’ve cried over this case."<br /><br />He added: “But I can only thank you. I’m ending where I’d like, not the way I’d like. I’m sure a new cycle will begin. I had a lot of hope that it could reverse, but it was not the case. My health comes first.”<br /><br />Taking to social media on Friday, the Brazilian also said: "The day has come to say goodbye to the field. I confess that it came from greater forces, but I look back and can only be thankful for the career I built."<br /><br />He added: “In 2007 I transferred to the giant [that is] Liverpool, which was part of my life for 10 years. It is with great pride that I can say that today Liverpool is my home. I'm proud to be an English citizen and along with my family; I'm Scouser!”<br /><br />Leiva made 346 appearances for Liverpool during a memorable 10-year stay with the Premier League club. He earned a League Cup winners medal in 2012 and helped the Reds in their journey to the Europa League final in 2016.<br /><br />In the press conference on Friday, doctor Marcio Dornelles told the media that Leiva's diagnosis was scarring in the myocardium.<br /><br />Gremio president Alberto Guerra went on to label the former Brazil international as a "great leader" who is respected by many.<br /><br />“I had prepared a beautiful speech, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to say it all," Guerra said.<br /><br />“I wanted to congratulate you on a successful career. I’m very happy that you’re going to go on with a normal life. I want to say on behalf of all the Gremistas that few have represented us like you.<br /><br />"That’s why so many people are moved by this moment. You are a great leader in the locker room that we all learned to respect.”
