Jurgen Klopp has broken his silence on Roberto Firmino's decision to leave Liverpool, revealing that it "wasn't easy" for the Reds striker to quit Anfield.
Firmino, 31, has decided not to extend his contract with Liverpool after eight trophy-laden years at the club and will depart come the end of this season. The announcement was made on Friday and the Brazil international fittingly scored his 108th goal in a red shirt to turn Sunday's stunning victory over Manchester United into seven heaven.
After coming on as a late substitute, Firmino executed a typically elegant finish through the legs of hapless United goalkeeper David de Gea and made the scoreline a record-breaking 7-0. Post-match, Klopp was given the opportunity to pay tribute to both Firmino's impact on Sunday and his overall legacy at Anfield.
"It wasn't an easy decision for Bobby, he's top guy," the Reds boss told Sky Sports. "The reception he got was absolutely outstanding. I think that was the goal the whole stadium pretty much wanted the most."
Although the man himself hasn't said anything about walking away from Merseyside when his contract expires in June, agent Roger Wittman is reported to have told an Arabic news outlet: "Roberto will Leave Liverpool in the summer, I can confirm that. It's a nice way to leave after eight incredible years."
Firmino had been in talks with Liverpool chiefs over the past few months to discuss the prospect of a new deal. However, the former Hoffenheim ace - signed during Brendan Rodgers' final summer in charge for £29million - has decided to end his Reds career and if Sunday's goal proves to be his last, it wouldn't be a bad way to bow out.
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Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher thinks it's best for all parties that Firmino moves on, despite the 31-year-old Brazilian being a staple of Klopp's team in the false nine position for nearly his entire reign. "If the reports about Firmino leaving at the end of the season are true, I do think it's best for all parties," Carragher wrote on Twitter.
"He's a Liverpool great and will be remembered for being part of one of the best front three's we've seen [alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane]."
It's currently unknown whether or not the Reds are planning to directly replace Firmino by signing a new forward this summer. After Mane left to join Bayern Munich last July, Liverpool moved to recruit Benfica striker Darwin Nunez in a potential club-record transfer deal.
In January, Klopp and co swooped for PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo, who's currently occupying the false nine role. Both Nunez and Gakpo scored twice in the rout against United, signalling that perhaps Klopp's side are ready to move on from the Firmino years.
