Former Liverpool and Lazio midfielder midfielder Lucas Leiva has been forced to temporarily stop playing football due to a heart problem.

The Brazilian, 35, spent 15 years in Europe before returning to boyhood club Gremio this year.

Lucas has missed Gremio's pre-season after a heart problem was detected in routine screening.

And he has been forced to quit football indefinitely until tests are fully completed.

He tweeted an official statement on Tuesday which read: "The Medical Department of Gremio reports that the athlete Lucas Leiva presented, in the routine examinations of the pre-season, a picture of change in heart rhythm being, consequently, removed from physical activities until the completion of complementary tests and treatment of the condition."