Fabinho Lifts The Lid On Roberto Firmino's Decision To Leave Liverpool This Summer

Originally posted on FanNation LFC Transfer Room
By Joseph Agbobli | Last updated 5/25/23

Roberto Firmino bid an emotional farewell to the Anfield faithful last Saturday in their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in the Premier League.

The 31-year-old, who will end an eight-year stay at Anfield when his contract expires this summer climbed off the bench to salvage a point for the Reds.

Firmino will play his final game for Jurgen Klopp's side this Sunday against already-relegated Southampton at St Mary's Stadium.

The Brazilian had been in talks over a new contract but had chosen to leave as he believes his time at the club is up.

He has been hampered by injuries this season despite racking up 34 appearances across all competitions and making 17 goal contributions.

"This season, we were always asking him when he would sign a new contract: ‘come on, we want you to sign and stay with us.’ We didn’t expect him to go," Fabinho told Sky Sports News.

"He’s 31 years old so he has a lot to do. He can still play his best football at that age, he’s young.

"We didn’t expect this decision to be made but he had to go and sometimes we saw that he was not happy because of the injuries as well. He’s someone who usually doesn’t get injured and he struggled a little bit with the injuries.

"We already know he won’t stay, it was an emotional week for all of us and the only thing is I wish the very best for him and his family."

Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will also leave this summer when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Firmino, Keita, Milner, and Oxlade-Chamberlain played an instrumental role for Liverpool as they clinch seven trophies including the Champions League, Premier League, and Emirates FA Cup last season.

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