Roberto Firmino breaks his silence on Liverpool’s decision as Jürgen Klopp’s successor becomes clear

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp will be without Roberto Firmino from the end of this season, now that the Brazilian has admitted his decision to leave Anfield.

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has broken his silence on his decision to leave Anfield at the end of the season as his contract expires after his agent confirmed the move just over a month ago.

Firmino has told Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp that he was ready to move on and there is expected to be plenty of interest in his free-transfer signing from throughout the game, with clubs in Italy and Spain all taking a look. closer.

“I prayed a lot to God to keep me and help me in this process. I work hard, always ready to help the team and we are together until the end. I want to finish here with my teammates.”

It’s probably a good time for Firmino to continue despite his historic contribution and performance against Arsenal, as the striker is now 31 and entering the final stages of his career.

Liverpool have too much to do in midfield due to aging stars, so switching some players over when they are over 30 is not a bad thing as long as they are substituted appropriately.

Firmino’s injury record over the past two seasons has been patchy and he has also been passed by others in the pecking order, meaning he will play more regularly by going elsewhere.

Perhaps the first sign Firmino was leaving came in January when Liverpool decided to sign Cody Gakpo from PSV in an initial $45m (£37m/€42m) deal. , although it was clear that having an extra midfielder was more of a priority.

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Gakpo was used in the false nine position that Firmino had made his own in his prime and in a move similar to Luis Díaz’s arrival at Liverpool six months before Sadio Man’s departure, it looked like some sort of foreshadowing. Liverpool hope to see Díaz more often next season, as the Colombian has missed a significant part of this season with injury.

And Gakpo has played the role very well for Liverpool so far, with him, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota all hoping to start.

Also…

‘I don’t like to say it’ – Roy Keane makes ‘weird’ admission for Liverpool after Arsenal draw

Roy Keane spoke after Liverpool’s Premier League draw with Arsenal at Anfield

Roy Keane has admitted there is something “strange” about playing at Anfield and believes Arsenal should be grateful for the point they picked up against Liverpool.

Despite leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners eventually had to settle for a point after Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino netted for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The draw means Arsenal are winless in 10 visits to Anfield in the Premier League, drawing three and losing seven, while conceding at least two goals in each game. However, the point is enough to keep them at the top of the board.

And after the game, Keane explained how he knew from his own experience at Manchester United how difficult it was to play at Anfield and thinks Mikel Arteta’s side will be delighted to have a point in the capital. to come back. He said: “I don’t like to say that I obviously played for United, but there’s something weird about it, especially when you’re defending and the last 15-20 minutes you’re suspended, Liverpool plays in the Kop, it’s extremely difficult, let me tell you.

“The energy that’s in the stadium, of course the history of the club, it’s very, very difficult. So I think Arsenal should really be happy with one point, I really am.

“I know people will say look at the big picture and City are in control of it. I think that’s a good point for Arsenal.

“I know they went two to zero and you could say they were very, very comfortable, but in the last 15-20 minutes when you’re head over heels against Liverpool you have to be grateful because that’s is what gets you out of the place, and that’s a point – be grateful for that.”

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