Jurgen Klopp has revealed how he was left with a tears in his eyes after Lucas ended his 10-year association with Liverpool earlier this week.

The Brazilian joined Lazio on Monday to end a decade of service at Anfield, and the 30-year-old delivered an emotional open letter to the club's fans after his exit.

Lucas amassed 346 appearances in total for Liverpool and left with the well wishes of Klopp and his squad , with the Reds boss keen not to stand in the way of the long-serving midfielder.

Discussing Lucas' exit with ESPN, Klopp explained how he knew he couldn't block the exit of a player who had given so much to the Liverpool cause over the last 10 years.

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"Things change but Lucas is a special case," said Klopp. "He asked for [to leave]. I would say he's a friend. He's a fantastic person.

"How I know and how he knows, he has a few issues when he's not playing! But we always had a very respectful understanding.

"It was really good. When he left, we both had a little tear in our eye. It was really a special moment.

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(Image: 2017 Liverpool FC)

"For the team, it's difficult. It's the age and it's life. He could sign a long-term contract in Rome and how can I say: 'You stay here, but I don't know if you sign a new contract and I don't know how often you will play next year'.

"So you need to be honest, especially with a player like him.

"He loves Liverpool. It's unbelievable. He comes from Brazil - it's a nice country and the weather is much better.

(Image: Colin Lane)

"He could imagine staying in Liverpool for the rest of his life."

Klopp also said that he would be open to the midfielder returning to Anfield in the future in a coaching role.

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The German added: "I told him that the door is always open for him after his three years and [if] I'm still here, of course, then we will find a place for him.

"I'm sure he'll be a fantastic coach or manager."