Kop’s Bobby dazzler is ‘sure to cry’
REDS HERO FIRMINO IS SET FOR HIS FAREWELL LIVERPOOL V A VILLA 3PM
ROBERTO FIRMINO put the car stereo on and sang the song with his kids this week.
It is the one that has been heard at Anfield for the past eight years.
But when ‘Si Senor’ is belted out by the Kop today for Firmino’s final home game in a Liverpool shirt, there will be tears shed.
“I try to focus on the game because it is important for us and after I will 100 percent cry,” said the Brazilian.
“It will be emotional for me and my family.”
The Reds need to beat Aston Villa to keep their top-four hopes alive.
But then it will be time to say goodbye to James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex OxladeChamberlain and Firmino.
The latter might get the most rousing send-off because he is a fan favourite.
He is a symbol of the great progress the club have made.
Liverpool looked lost when he joined from German side Hoffenheim.
Then along came new head coach Jurgen Klopp and in
HEAD BOY: With 2019 Champions League Firmino he found the perfect forward for his football. The false-nine role was formed and soon Firmino was dazzling as bright as his teeth had turned.
“In the first week I was here, even I didn’t know where I would be playing,” said the 31-year-old.
“I can play everywhere. But me and Brendan Rodgers didn’t understand each other about my position on the pitch. When the current manager arrived we created the false nine.
“After that I just enjoyed the position.” Flanked by Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, Firmino helped turn Liverpool into Champions League winners in 2019. They then ended the club’s long wait for the topflight title a year later before adding the FA Cup and League Cup last season.
“We made history as a club and we are leaving a great legacy,” Firmino said. Why go now? It seems the changing way of Klopp’s forward line with Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo means he no longer fits.
Firmino added: “The cycle here has ended and I understand it is time to go. I am very proud.
“Maybe one day I could come back.”
The Kop will continue to sing his song. Give the ball to
Bobby and he will score, it goes.They would love to see it happen one more time.
● Don’t miss Bobby Firmino: Si Senor, an official Liverpool Football Club tribute souvenir magazine. Read his story through exclusive interviews given to the club’s official matchday programme and magazine. Order from Amazon now.