Roberto Firmino was unable to hold back the tears as he bid a final farewell to Liverpool fans inside Anfield on Saturday.
He’s won it all with Liverpool ever since joining from Hoffenheim back in 2019, forming one of Europe’s most potent attacking line-ups for several seasons.
And the 31-year-old still had time to create one more special Anfield memory with a late equaliser in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The tears were soon flowing after the final whistle with the Kop signing Firmino’s name on repeat.
The Brazilian was spotted in an emotional embrace with compatriot Alisson Becker as the players began doing their lap of appreciation.
Roberto Firmino was given a specia tribute after the match (Image: Getty)
Firmino wasn’t the only player saying goodbye to Anfield with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also leaving the club at the end of the season.
But it was the attacker who was given the biggest reception in the post-match celebrations with thousands of fans staying behind to watch the festivities.
Firmino admitted prior to his final Anfield match that he would struggle to hold back the tears.
“After the game, I will cry 100%,” he said. “It’s a special day for me. It will be emotional for me and for my family.”
Firmino’s imminent departure marks a changing of the guard at Liverpool after Sadio Mane left 12 months ago.
Mohamed Salah still remains and is regarded as the club’s star attacker, but the likes of Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez are seen as the future.
However, Firmino hasn’t ruled out a possible shock return to Liverpool some time in the future.
“It is time, unfortunately,” he said.
“The cycle here is ended and I understand it is time to go.
“Maybe one day I could come back, I don’t know, but it’s time to go. Come back as a coach? Maybe!
“You never say never. I don’t know what is going to happen with my future. It might be to play, you never know.”
