Lucas Leiva has been subject to the familiar and frankly heartbreaking routine associated with those players on their way out of the club.
It was revealed on Friday that Liverpool have accepted a £5million bid from Lazio for the Brazilian, thereby all but confirming his summer departure after spending over a decade at Anfield.
The 30-year-old was absent for the club’s pre-season friendly against Wigan later that day, which ended 1-1 and saw new signing Mohamed Salah score his first goal for the Reds.
Lucas somewhat hinted at his future in the process, saying his incredibly sad farewells to his Liverpool teammates at Melwood before travelling to discuss terms with Lazio, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Commenting on reports after his side’s game at the DW Stadium, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp remained tight-lipped over the future of the midfielder.
“I’m not 100 per cent sure what I can tell you about it because I’m not sure in this moment, but I think in all respect for Lucas and his outstanding time at Liverpool we should talk about facts, not about rumours,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.
“We have to wait, I’m not sure. Maybe something [will] happen, maybe not. It’s like last year and a half a year ago. We will see.”
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Saying goodbye to Lucas would be saying goodbye to Liverpool’s adopted Scouser and one of the most loyal servants this club has seen.
After enduring a difficult and admittedly torrid start to life on Merseyside, he has since emerged as an undeniable fan favourite and the perfect role model for upcoming youth stars and new signings.
Though he has constantly been linked with moves away from the club in recent years, there has never been good reason to justify letting an asset of his experience, leadership and attitude leave so easily.
It seems that time has now come, though, with an influx of new arrivals set to add to an already fierce competition for places.
He deserves the very best and we sincerely wish him exactly that at whatever club he decides to continue his career with.