Roberto Firmino made sure to inform Jurgen Klopp personally when it came to his Liverpool exit, it has been claimed.
The Brazil international is set to leave Anfield at the end of the season, bringing his eight-year stint to an end. Firmino joined from Hoffenheim just a few short months before Klopp took over as manager, and has won every trophy going under the manager.
Firmino's agent Roger Wittmann confirmed the player's decision on Friday, though his next move is still up in the air. Another stint in Germany or a return to Brazil could be on the cards, while there have also been reports of interest from Italy and the middle east.
According to Sky Sport in Germany, it was 'very important' for Firmino to inform Klopp of his plans. He reportedly had the conversation with Liverpool's manager after the club's Friday training session.
It was also made clear, according to the same reports, that the 31-year-old is making his decision with his family in mind and will 'fight until the end' for Liverpool. The Reds' next league game comes against Manchester United on Sunday, and a win could help breathe new life into a fragile top-four push.
Firmino is far from the first member of Liverpool's 2019-20 title-winning side to move to pastures new. Sadio Mane ended his six-year Reds stint by joining Bayern Munich after the 2022 Champions League final, while midfielder Gini Wijnaldum - leaving on a free transfer like Firmino - played in all 38 Premier League games in his final Anfield season in 2020-21.
What are your fondest memories of Firmino at Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section
Last summer, reports suggested Liverpool were open to cashing in on Firmino despite also losing Mane. Instead, though, he has stayed for one final season and scored seven Premier League goals before the World Cup break.
Klopp has strengthened his front-line this season, adding Darwin Nunez over the summer and bringing in Cody Gakpo at the start of the January window. The Reds have struggled to repeat last season's form, though, and are playing catch-up in the top four race ahead of their weekend clash with Erik ten Hag's Man Utd.
“You really have to go for it," Klopp said, with a Champions League defeat at home to Real Madrid leaving a top four finish as Liverpool's best chance of a return to the competition. "I have no clue what it means to (our rivals for the top four) but I think they realise already we are not completely gone.
“It is not that if we are in no man’s land. And that is clear. The other teams know we are still around and that's better than if they can’t see us any more.”
