‘I’ll get emotional:’ Liverpool fan favourite gives honest verdict on impending exit, Klopp will miss him
Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino is set to leave the Reds after almost eight years on Merseyside and has made no secret about how tough it will be.
The 31-year-old is still playing a key role in Jurgen Klopp’s team, scoring a late equaliser against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday.
It will be very difficult for Liverpool to replace him, but the decision on Firmino’s future has already been made, with the player and the club set to part ways on good terms.
As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Firmino is set to leave the Reds on a free transfer this summer, after they decided against extending his contract, which expires in June.
Overall, in 359 appearances for Liverpool, the Brazilian has scored 109 goals and made 79 assists, giving him an impressive average of 0.52 goal contributions per game.
Firmino has also played a key role in a very successful period for the Merseyside club, helping them to win one Premier League title, an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Champions League.
Firmino: “I want to finish well”
After Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Firmino was asked how he was feeling after scoring such an important goal – his 11th of the season – knowing that he’s about to leave the club.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, he said: “I won’t say much, because otherwise I’ll get emotional. Because it’s a beautiful legacy with a beautiful history, at such a big club.
“I’m very happy and grateful to God for everything we have built here.
“But it’s a new situation for me, I’ve never been through it [leaving a club I love].
“I’ve been praying a lot for God to keep me and help me in this process.
“I’m working hard, always ready to help the team, and we’re together until the end. I want to finish well here with my teammates.”
Indeed, with Firmino still a fan favourite among the Anfield faithful, it will be an emotional day and Liverpool supporters when he plays his final match this season.
Overall, it has been an underwhelming season for the Reds, who currently sit in eighth place in the Premier League table – nine points adrift of the top four.
Firmino, as mentioned, will want to finish the campaign on a high, hopefully by securing a spot in the Europa League or at least the Europa Conference League.
In terms of his future, the striker has been linked with a switch to Italian giants Inter Milan in recent weeks, so there’s a good chance he will continue playing at a high level next season.
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