While Lucas might not be one of the most talented Liverpool players of all time, he’ll certainly go down as one of the most popular.
He spent 10 years at Anfield before leaving for Lazio in 2017, earning himself a testimonial dinner in which team-mates lavished him with praise – and several of them paid tribute to him again when his move to Serie A was confirmed.
Here are seven reasons why the Brazilian is shown such love and respect by everyone associated with Liverpool.
He went from zero to hero
Liverpool fans pride themselves on their support, but they are also not afraid to let a player know when their performances aren’t up to scratch.
A year into his Liverpool career, Lucas was booed by a vocal section of the home support following a frustrating 0-0 draw with Fulham, but being the good egg that he is, he did not hold a grudge.
“You have to understand the supporters,” he said. “They were expecting Xabi Alonso that time and he was on the bench.
“The game wasn’t good, we were not playing well so I understand. Playing well is the only way you will change it.”
Rafa Benitez was rather more forthright: “People just don’t know how good Lucas is.”
Rafa was right. Two years later, Lucas was named the club’s Player of the Season.
Despite his development, his status at Liverpool and his obvious commitment to the club, there were some he could never win over. But, typically, Lucas bit back…
don’t you get tired to criticise me mate ? Enjoy the win today and clean sheet .
— Lucas Leiva (@LucasLeiva87) February 11, 2017
He was a leader
The Liverpool players may have looked like they were being held captive and forced to speak into the camera under duress, but the fact they were willing to come together to do this for a departing team-mate speaks volumes about the regard he was and is held in.
As the player to have been around the longest, Lucas was often the man new signings could turn to, especially the foreign recruits. And Birmingham-born Daniel Sturridge…
Jordan Henderson said: “Any person joining Liverpool Football Club, regardless of age, status or experience, who is looking for a role model or an example to follow then, for me, you look no further than Lucas Leiva.
“It doesn’t matter to Lucas whether you’re from Runcorn or Rio, he’ll make time for you and look to offer his experience to help individuals or the team when it’s needed.”
The #LFC squad say their goodbyes to @LucasLeiva87 from Hong Kong.
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