After finishing his first training session in Liverpool, summer signing Roberto Firmino spoke with Liverpoolfc.com, discussing his anticipation about coming to the Premier League, club and international team mate Philippe Coutinho, and what he can bring to England’s top tier.
Firmino was asked how he felt when he heard of Liverpool’s interest in him, to which he replied:
“It’s always welcome knowing that a club in interested in you. I discussed it with my agent and decided to opt for Liverpool, so here I am today.”
The Brazilian explained how compatriot Coutinho helped with his decision to move to Anfield:
“He was very helpful although it was ultimately my decision.
“I wanted to know more about how it works here and he had some very good things to tell me. He’s a great character and I hope we can nurture our friendship at Liverpool.”
As Firmino is now a Liverpool player, the 23-year-old will link up with Coutinho for both club and country, and the new boy had glowing praise for the attacking midfielder.
“He showed me his personal qualities during our time together at the Selecao,” said Firmino.
“I’m expecting us to be two fighters on the pitch battling together for the best for Liverpool, hoping that it will bring us the victories.”
Reds fans are excited about the big money signing of Firmino, but many have not seen the Brazilian play on a regular basis.
When asked to describe him and his style of play, Firmino described himself as “a player who works hard and who’s constantly looking to support his teammates on the pitch.”
Several foreign signings to the Premier League have struggled to deal with the change in style of play, although Liverpool’s new number 11 allayed any fears of him struggling to adapt, saying he is confident that he will be able to fit in the Premier League:
“German football, where I’ve played for nearly five years, is very similar – maybe just a little less tough than English football.”
The ex-Hoffenheim player is still only 23 and joins a Liverpool squad full of youth and potential, and the player does not think of it as a hindrance.
He added: “Although it’s a young team, there’s a lot of experience and quality in it.
“Each and every one of the players must do their best to have the chance to play and win games as a consequence.”
Finally, Firmino called on the Liverpool fans to show him and the team support going into the new season:
“It’s very important and makes a huge difference to the players as the fans are our 12th player.
“They’re always behind their team and that gives us a boost to run on the pitch and help each other.”
