Lucas pens incredibly classy letter to Liverpool fans as he leaves the club

The Liverpool players also said a lovely farewell.

There are certain players that football fans identify with and this admiration has very little to do with goals, showmanship or a high profile. In order to be successful, every club needs consummate professionals that are willing to give their all, sacrifice everything and put the needs of the club first. For Liverpool, Lucas Leiva was this this type of player. After making 346 appearances during 10 seasons at Anfield, the Brazilian midfielder has now joined Lazio for a fee of £5million. Before leaving, he took the time to pay tribute to a club - and a set of fans - that he holds dearly. "Liverpool as a club and Liverpool as a city is a unique place. I think it’s different from everywhere.  While I am saddened that my days at Anfield are coming to an end, I can at least take comfort from the knowledge that my relationship with Liverpool and the supporters is stronger than ever." He adds: "This is one of the greatest clubs in the world and my intention had always been to spend the rest of my career here but the less I have been able to play, the more I have realised that I need to go to another club if I want to play as much as I possibly can. I have been blessed to live and work in this city, a place that I have come to realise is different to any other, and while living here I have been married and blessed with two wonderful children so whatever happens now we will always take Liverpool with us everywhere we go." The Brazilian only managed to lift the 2012 League Cup during his spell at the club, a point that he regards as a major disappointment, but it's clear that he will always hold Liverpool in his heart. "I might not have won as many trophies as I would have liked during my time here but to have people talk about me in that way means as much as any medal. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to every single Liverpool fan. My family and myself will always be grateful for your support and for being part of this great club, which means we will also be sad now that the time has come for me to leave. All I can say now is that I hope more than anything else that the new season turns out to be a great one for my new club and my old club," he concludes. Despite the fact that Liverpool are currently in Hong Kong, their squad wanted to express their thanks for the Brazilian's contribution during his decade at the club. A great Liverpool servant. https://twitter.com/LFC/status/887361139679612929