EMOTIONAL Lucas Moura fought back the tears as Tottenham confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.
The Brazilian will depart Spurs after 219 appearances in five-and-a-half years.
Moura, 30, is best known for his sensational Champions League semi-final hat-trick against Ajax.
He has since become a bit-part player at Tottenham, and will depart upon the expiry of his contract next month.
In a tear-jerking video with Sky Sports, Moura said: “I need to hold the tears.
“It has been an incredible five years. It was a gift to play for Spurs.
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“It’s sad to say goodbye, especially when you love the place where you are. It’s very difficult.
“Great memories, great moments I will keep in my heart forever.”
Shown the clip of his winner away at Ajax, Moura wells up and added: “I am trying to hold the tears.
“This moment of course was the best of my career. Special, magic.”
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In a post on his own social media, Moura wrote: “My Spurs. Wherever I am, my heart will always be here.
“You are my club. This will always be my home.”
And in their own statement, Spurs added: “We should like to thank Lucas for his tremendous service to our club and wish him the very best for the future.”
Moura scored 38 goals for Spurs, also laying on 27 assists.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star has not started a Premier League game this season.
Upon his departure, some fans harshly called for more stalwarts to exit – with Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier the main duo targetted.
One wrote: “A fair move, now waiting for Sanchez, Winks, Dier to be out next.”
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While a second huffed: “Now announce Dier, Sanchez and Davies contract cancellations!”
Plenty of others thanked Moura for his contributions – primarily in Amsterdam.
One wrote: “Best of luck Lucas. We’ll always have Amsterdam.”
And a second tweeted: “Thank you for the greatest Spurs moment of my life.”
Another added: “Best memory I’ve been given in my time as a Spurs fan. Thank you.”
Moura was linked with a transfer return to Sao Paulo earlier this term.
He will be eligible for selection in Spurs’ final two matches of the season.
They host Brentford on Saturday, before finishing with a trip to relegation-threatened Leeds.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
