Since Lucas Leiva was regrettably forced to announce his retirement from football because of a heart condition earlier this week, tributes to the Liverpool cult hero have inevitably been pouring in.
Making 346 appearances for the Reds over 10 years at Anfield, the Brazilian was and is well-loved on Merseyside. The likes of Sir Kenny Dalglish, Luis Suarez, Jamie Carragher, and Philippe Coutinho were among those to post heartfelt messages to the 36-year-old on social media.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard posted a picture of the Brazilian international on his Instagram story, accompanied by a heart emoji. Lucas is sure to have been left with a lump in his throat reading all the messages and well-wishes from fans and A-list footballers alike.
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But that’s nothing compared to the Brazilian’s own tribute for his former captain back in 2015, as he reduced Gerrard to tears on a post-season holiday in Dubai just hours after their 6-1 defeat to Stoke City ahead of the Reds legend’s own Anfield exit that summer.
“There was a knock on my hotel room door in Dubai. It was Lucas Leiva, one of my many good friends in the squad,” Gerrard recalled in his autobiography published later that year. “Lucas asked if he could come in for a moment.
“‘I’ve got a little something for you,’ he said. ‘Of course,’ I said. I was always happy to see Lucas.
“He presented me with a silver salver. It was from him to me and he had written the words inscribed on the plate.
“‘I’ve been thinking about getting this done for a while,’ Lucas said. I felt a lump in my throat as I read his message.
“‘We often hear the expression there will never be another. In your case, my friend, it is most definitely the case. A Captain, leader and a legend in every sense of the word. Every moment I have spent on the pitch with you has been a privilege. The very best to you and your family with all your future endeavours - Lucas Leiva.’”
“I just about held it together while Lucas quietly watched me read his words. I thanked him and he smiled happily. We hugged it out. But once he left, I was gone. There was no stopping my tears.”
The most touching gift from a selfless Lucas, his classy gesture to Gerrard showed the true measure of the man. No pressure on the legendary Liverpool captain if he now plans to return the favour after the Brazilian's enforced retirement!
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