Roberto Firmino explains why he is leaving Liverpool ahead of the emotional Anfield finale
Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has admitted that he will cry after an emotional Anfield farewell against Aston Villa.
Firmino will return to Villa after recovering from an injury. On Friday, Jurgen Klopp confirmed that the Brazilian had been training with the team for a few days.
Apart from admitting to crying, the 31-year-old, who joined Liverpool in 2015 and has won every club trophy since, discussed what he will miss and why he is leaving now.
“It is, unfortunately, time. The cycle here has ended, and I realize it is time for me to leave. I am extremely proud of everything I have accomplished here with the team, as well as the beautiful history we have created together. I am extremely pleased. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to return one day, but it’s time for me to leave.
“I don’t remember when I first heard it [his song], but when I found out the fans had written a song for me, I was overjoyed because it’s symbolic.” It means they care about me, and every time I heard my song, it gave me the courage and motivation to work harder, do more for the team, and do my best.
“I’m trying to concentrate on the game [against Villa].” But I’m sure I’ll cry afterwards.”
Firmino came into his own as a key member of Liverpool’s squad under Klopp after a stuttering start to his Liverpool career under Brendan Rodgers. He mastered the false nine position and helped Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah form a legendary forward line partnership.
For many years, the trio led the Reds line and helped the team win the Champions League, Premier League, and other trophies.
But, as Klopp stated on Friday, nothing lasts forever in football. We saw Mane leave last summer, and now it is Firmino’s turn. The Brazilian himself admitted that the cycle had come to an end.
During the 2019/20 season, following an away win against Tottenham Hotspur, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville praised the 31-year-old and stated that any manager would choose him as their center-forward.
That is how effective Firmino has been for Liverpool. We can expect tears not only from the player, but also from the fans, when the farewell occurs after the game.
But first, there’s an important and difficult game against Villa to play. Liverpool must win later today to keep their slim Champions League hopes alive.
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