Following 10 years at Liverpool, Lucas Leiva is finally on his way out of Anfield.The Brazilian midfielder, a much-maligned figure during his first few seasons in England, leaves Merseyside as a fan favourite thanks to his hard work and commitment over the past decade.Liverpool fans on Twitter expressed their sadness after Lucas was photographed holding up a Lazio scarf on Monday. The 30-year-old joins the Italian outfit for a fee of around £5 million."He's been a tremendous servant to the club. He's been here over 10 years and he's played a big part during that time," Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler told the Liverpool Echo this week. "He had some tough times but he always came through them and a lot of fans took to him."It will be sad to see him go because he's been a brilliant servant to the club."Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, sent a classy tweet to his former teammate after news broke of his switch to Serie A."Good luck @LucasLeiva87,” the former Reds’ defender wrote, “you've been a great servant to @LFC now do the same at Lazio! #Unluckeeee”.
When Rodgers singled out Lucas during team-talk
At the start of the 2012-13 campaign - Carragher’s final season in professional football - a fascinating fly-on-the-wall documentary was made about Liverpool. You might remember it.
It was called ‘Being Liverpool’ and it was broadcast on Fox Soccer in the United States. It’s well worth a watch if you’ve never seen it.
Anyway, one of the six episodes featured a brilliant moment involving Brendan Rodgers and the aforementioned Lucas.
Rodgers, before a Europa League qualifier against FC Gomel of Belarus, singled out Lucas during the team-talk.
The Northern Irish coach hailed Lucas’s attitude and told the rest of the squad to go out and win the match for the South American.
“It’s his first game for nearly a year and every day of his life he gives everything for this football club - and for you guys,” Rodgers said.
“As well as doing it for the team, and to get through to the next round, do it for this guy here because he gives everything for you and the club.
“Make sure you get the win for him as well.”
Video: Rodgers singles out Lucas for praise
Watch the clip here…
The Reds went out and won the match 3-0, with Lucas playing a starring role.
Liverpool fans will miss him
Even though he’s leaving the club, it’s safe to assume Lucas will never need to buy a drink when he returns to the city in the future.