Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has opened up on Roberto Firmino leaving the club. The Brazil international is currently in the final year of his contract at Anfield.
He recently announced his decision to leave the Reds upon his arrival. The Brazil international has played a key role for the Merseyside outfit since arriving from 1899 Hoffenheim during the summer transfer window of 2015.
Roberto Firmino helped Liverpool win one Premier League title and one UEFA Champions League trophy, among other honours. He has played 354 games for the Reds thus far, registering 108 goals and 79 assists.
Jurgen Klopp on Roberto Firmino’s departure
Liverpool’s manager has recently revealed that he is surprised by Roberto Firmino’s decision to leave the club. While speaking to the media, he said: “I was surprised a little bit but I was not hit by it. It could have gone two ways and I respect it a lot. It’s completely normal in this long relationship we have had”.
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Roberto Firmino is the most used player by Jurgen Klopp since his arrival at the club. Liverpool tried to extend his contract in recent months but failed to reach an agreement.
His departure will be a massive loss for the Reds going forward. AC Milan and Barcelona are among the clubs who have shown interest in signing him on a Bosman Deal at the end of the current season.
Jurgen Klopp on Luis Diaz’s injury
The German manager also revealed that attacker Luis Diaz will return to training next week. Diaz has been out with an injury since last October. Klopp said: “Joey [Gomez] might be able to train [at the] beginning of the week, Luis, I hope, during next week – after the international break both possible [to return].”
The Colombia international has established himself as a key player at the club since arriving from FC Porto during the January transfer window of 2022. He has played 21 Premier League games so far, registering seven goals and five. Diaz’s return is a massive boost for the Merseyside outfit as they look to finish the season strongly.
When will Liverpool play next?
Liverpool are currently fifth in the Premier League table, with 42 points from 25 games. They will next lock horns against in a league game on March 11. Roberto Firmino is expected to play some part in the game.
