Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted to being taken aback by forward Roberto Firmino’s decision to depart from the team at the end of the season.
The Brazil international has spent eight years on Anfield and recently, talks had been held for extending his contract.
However, he ultimately decided to move forward with a new chapter in his career.
‘Surprised? Yes, a little bit – it could go two ways and it went one,’ the German manager noted. ‘But it’s completely normal in this kind of long relationship that we have and Bobby has with the club.’
In spite of an injury layoff, Firmino has contributed significantly with goals and assists before his impending departure; getting an emotional reception when substituted on during Liverpool’s 7-0 win against Manchester United.
Klopp also confirmed that there will be plenty of time for a proper farewell later in the season when Firmino visits Anfield again and thanked him for what he had done for the club during their domestic glory period which included winning Vitality and Champions League titles, EFL Cup and Club World Championship.
Article updated 9 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
