Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is about to leave the Reds after almost eight years on Merseyside, and he has made no ᵴҽcгҽт of how difficult the departure will be.
The 31-year-old is still an important member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad, having scored a late equalizer against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday.
Liverpool will find it tough to replace him, but the decision on Firmino’s future has already been decided, with the player and the club poised to part ways amicably.
Firmino is expected to depart the Reds on a free transfer this summer, as previously reported by TEAMtalk after the club chose not to extend his contract, which ends in June.
Overall, the Brazilian has 109 goals and 79 assists in 359 games for Liverpool, giving him an outstanding average of 0.52 goal contributions per game.
Firmino has also been instrumental in the Merseyside club’s recent success, helping them win one Premier League championship, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and a Champions League.
“I want to end well,” Firmino ᵴɑүs.
Firmino was asked after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal how he felt after scoring such an important goal – his 11th of the season – knowing he’s ready to depart the club.
“I won’t ᵴɑү much because else I’ll become emotional,” he told ESPN Brasil. Since, at such a large club, it is a lovely heritage with a beautiful history.
“I’m overjoyed and thankful to God for what we’ve accomplished here.”
“But it’s a novel circumstance for me; I’ve never had to leave a place I like.”
“I’ve been praying fervently for God to keep and assist me through this process.”
“I’m working hard, always willing to assist the squad, and we’re sticking together till the finish.” “I want to finish strong with my teammates.”
Certainly, with Firmino still a fan favorite among the Anfield crowd, his farewell encounter this season will be an emotional one for Liverpool fans.
Overall, the Reds have had a disappointing season, finishing eighth in the Premier League standings, nine points below the top four.
As previously said, Firmino will aim to end the season on a рoᵴitivҽ note, ideally by clinching a place in the Europa League or at the very least the Europa Conference League.
In terms of his future, the striker has recently been linked with a move to Italian giants Inter Milan, so there’s a big possibility he’ll continue to play at a top level next season.
Carragher feels Klopp’s era at Liverpool may soon end
Although Carragher believes it is great of him to do so, he is concerned that Liverpool is nearing the end of the Klopp era.
Carragher believes Klopp must bear responsibility for the team’s downfall this season, citing a similar scenario at Klopp’s former club, Borussia Dortmund.
“When you speak about the age [of the players], what you have to remember is that it’s the intensity that they played with for five or six years,” he told Sky Sports. If you’re on a Jürgen Klopp squad, you virtually have a shelf life. How long can you keep doing that and playing like Liverpool?
“They retain possession, but they’re not walking about with the ball like Manchester City.”
“You almost have to doubt the endurance of that aesthetic.” Something similar occurred at Borussia Dortmund, where after five or six years, they found themselves near the bottom of the league in the first part of that season and then recovered.”
