Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has called time on his Anfield career and was left in tears following his last game at the famous Kop.
Yesterday, Liverpool hosted Aston Villa in a key fixture to decide the Champions League spots. Back in March, Firmino announced that this would be his last season for the club as he will leave for free when his contract expires this summer. As such, it was his last game at Anfield as a Liverpool player.
Liverpool paid respect to two of its legendary players, James Milner and Roberto Firmino, during Liverpool’s last game of the season at Anfield. Banners were hoisted on the Kop before the game, and both players received standing ovations when their names were called, even though they were on the bench.
Both players came on to rousing applause in the final moments of the key fixture. elevating the Reds. The Reds went one goal down early when Jacob Ramsey scored in the 27th minute.
Roberto Firmino ended up in tears in his last Anfield game
In what was his last match in front of the Anfield crowd, Roberto Firmino gave one last gift to the Reds. He scored the equalizer in the 89th minute from a Mohamed Salah cross. The 31-year-old was able to celebrate in front of a joyful stadium, cementing his status as a Liverpool great. The game ended 1-1 and kept Liverpool alive in the top-four contention race.
After the game ended, an emotional Firmino was embraced by fellow countryman Alisson. The Reds goalkeeper hugged his sobbing colleague and spoke into his ear following a great run of success together.
Firmino says goodbye to Anfield 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/aKKOrymBsh
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 20, 2023
Following the game, Firmino basked in the adoration of the Anfield crowd, making a round of the pitch to express gratitude to the club’s supporters. He was also joined by his family. The fans sang a song addressed towards the outgoing Firmino as he soaked in the affection of a club he has played for the past eight years. They continuously sang, “Give the ball to Bobby and he will score.”
He was later given a guard of honor by his teammates as a sign of respect.
Firmino’s time at Liverpool
Firmino arrived in 2015 from Hoffenheim before Jurgen Klopp took over the club. Under Klopp, he became a great proficient striker. He was part of a deadly front line with Sadio Mane at his left and Mohamed Salah at his right. Together, they conquered the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020. He later won every trophy possible for Liverpool.
He is widely regarded as the main orchestrator of the team for as long as he played there. In over 360 appearances for the club, he has scored 110 goals and assisted 72 times. He is one of three Liverpool players to have more than 100 goals and 50 assists for the club. The other two are Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and teammate Mohamed Salah.
Firmino was often out of the spotlight, with his other two fellow attacker teammates getting more appreciation and media coverage. However, he has always been a model professional athlete and won the hearts of many with his selfless way of playing.
From the front three, only Salah remains now. Sadio Mane already left in 2022 joining Bayern Munich. It signals an end of a successful era for the club and its fans.
Along with Firmino and Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain will also leave. The club will have to do a lot of rebuilding for the next season.
Firmino’s reputation as an elite attacker has earned him interest from Europe’s top clubs. He has yet to announce his future destination. The Brazilian will now play his last ever game for the club when Liverpool faces Southampton on Sunday.
