Lucas Leiva Agrees to Gremio Return After Lazio Departure

Lucas Leiva has agreed to return to Gremio after leaving Lazio on a free transfer, coming back 15 years after his initial move to Europe.

The 35-year-old Brazilian midfielder’s contract is expiring with the Biancocelesti at the end of this month and it’s been clear for a while now that it will not be renewed, forcing him to find a new home as he enters the twilight of his career. Lucas Leiva spent five years with Lazio and proved himself to be a consistent and intelligent defensive midfielder under both Simone Inzaghi and Maurizio Sarri.

As reported by GauchaZH (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Leiva has agreed to sign a one-year deal with Gremio, tying him to the club until 2023. Talks between the two parties were anything but simple but finally an agreement has been reached.

The Brazilian midfielder started his career with Gremio, being promoted to the first team in January 2005. He made 21 appearances for the first team before joining Liverpool in a deal worth around €10 million back in July 2007. After 10 years in the North West of England, Leiva signed for Lazio after a €5.7 million deal was agreed with the Reds.

In his five years with Lazio, Leiva made 198 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing 12 assists.

Tags Biancocelesti Brazil Gremio Italy Lazio Leiva Lucas Leiva Rome Serie A