Roberto Firmino has spoken publicly for the first time after it was revealed he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
The Brazilian is out of contract in the summer and informed Jurgen Klopp of his decision to not sign an extension at Anfield last week.
The 31-year-old played for the Reds for the first time since the news broke in their 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United on Sunday, coming off the bench to score the final goal in front of the Kop. Even before taking to the field, he was regularly serenaded with renditions of ‘Si Senor’ throughout as the Anfield paid tribute to their soon to be departing forward.
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Firmino took to Instagram after the game to share a message with the fans as he shared his delight at being able to mark his first appearance since deciding to leave with a goal.
“What a special day today,” he wrote. “I’m so grateful to God to giving me this moment!
“What a joy to feel the affection and love of my teammates and of all the fãs (fans)… YNWA.”
Also registering an assist against United in his 11-minute cameo after replacing Cody Gakpo, Firmino’s Liverpool record now stands at 108 goals and 72 assists from 354 appearances. Meanwhile, he has won every major honour since moving to Anfield in 2015.
And while the Brazilian is highly unlikely to add to his trophy haul in his final weeks with the club, he’ll be looking to add to his totals with the Reds having 13 Premier League matches remaining as they look to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
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