Jordan Henderson pays tribute to departing Liverpool player Roberto Firmino ahead of his final appearance at Anfield this weekend
Jordan Henderson has paid tribute to Roberto Firmino as the striker prepares to end his eight-year career with Liverpool this month.
The Reds host Aston Villa in their final home game of the season on Saturday afternoon, with an injured Firmino hoping to make his final home appearance in a Reds career that has spanned 360 games.
The No.9 has missed the last six games due to a muscle problem, but he is expected to be back in full training this week ahead of Liverpool’s final match against Unai Emery’s Villa.
Firmino’s name was sung with gusto for much of Leicester City’s 3-0 win at the King Power Stadium on Monday night, before the former Hoffenheim forward went across with his teammates to salute the away end at full time.
And Reds captain Henderson, one of the few players in the current squad who arrived before Firmino in 2015, admits it will be difficult to see the Brazilian leave.
“Bobby is a big part of the squad and an amazing guy,” Henderson said. “He will undoubtedly be missed, as will the other lads who are leaving.” So it will be difficult to see them go, but we have work to do for the next few weeks. We have two games left before we can say our final goodbyes.
“The focus is always first and foremost on the game.” We’ll do everything we can to win (against Villa) and then see what happens after that. But winning the game is more important than getting three points on Saturday.”
Curtis Jones scored twice in the first half at Leicester before Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stunning strike sealed Liverpool’s seventh straight Premier League victory, cutting the gap on fourth-placed Manchester United to one point.
The Reds are now nine games unbeaten since a 4-1 loss at Manchester City at the start of April, and Henderson believes the current run is critical to getting next season off to a good start, regardless of whether or not it results in Champions League football.
“I think [this run] shows that we’re still a very good team, and yes, we’ve had our problems throughout the season for various reasons,” Liverpool captain Klopp said.
The Reds are now nine games unbeaten since a 4-1 loss at Manchester City at the start of April, and Henderson believes the current run is critical to getting next season off to a good start, regardless of whether or not it results in Champions League football.
“I think [this run] shows that we’re still a very good team, and yes, we’ve had our problems throughout the season for various reasons,” Liverpool captain Klopp said.
“I think there’s still a lot that needs to happen for us to try to get in there, so we’ve just got to focus on our own job, which is to win the next two games.” We’ll see where we stand at the end of the season.
“I thought it was a good overall performance.” We’re very happy because there was a clean sheet, some good goals, and some good performances all around.”
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