Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has hinted that Roberto Firmino could yet stay at Anfield beyond the end of the season despite dropping his exit bombshell.
The Brazilian forward is out of contract in three months’ time and has confirmed to Jurgen Klopp and Anfield officials that he will be heading for pastures new. The striker toasted his announcement in the best way at the weekend by scoring in the 7-0 win over fierce rivals Manchester United.
Speaking after the record-breaking win over the Red Devils, Firmino’s compatriot Fabinho paid tribute to his teammate and hinted that he could yet change his decision to exit. “Bobby is a very special guy,” the ex-Monaco star said.
“It’s great to have him as a teammate. He’s a guy that everyone likes him. It was really cool that he scored today, that he celebrated in that way. Everyone on the bench, on the field, celebrated with him, because he is a guy that everyone likes.
“So he’s a guy who for me should stay at Liverpool forever , who was very important since my arrival. And I don’t want to talk too much about the future, let’s enjoy these last few months that we have of him here.
“I don’t know if the situation can still change, but we joke with him a little. But let’s enjoy it while we have this player with us because he is a very special guy.”
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Firmino’s strike against Man United took him onto ten goals in all competitions for the campaign. It is the seventh time in eight seasons as a Liverpool player that the Brazilian has scored double figures since arriving from Hoffenheim in 2015.
He has been pivotal under current boss Jurgen Klopp by helping the Reds to the Premier League, the Champions League and a whole host of other trophies during his time at Anfield. The German also opened up on Firmino’s decision to exit and was delighted to see the striker get on the scoresheet.
Speaking with Sky Sports, the Liverpool boss said: "It wasn't an easy decision for Bobby, he's top guy. The reception he got was absolutely outstanding. I think that was the goal the whole stadium pretty much wanted the most."
Should he stick to his original decision to leave, Firmino will certainly be hoping to go out in a blaze of glory over his final few months as a Liverpool player. The Reds have another 13 Premier League games of the season remaining as they attempt to secure a place in the top four.
They sit three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with a game in-hand. Meanwhile, Liverpool will hope for a miracle to keep their Champions League hopes alive after a 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in their last-16 first-leg meeting at Anfield.
