Roberto Firmino joins Liverpool a quickly rising star, both one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents and an already established quality player. That he was one of Europe’s top five dribblers and one of the Bundesliga’s top five tacklers over both of the past two seasons speak to both his technical skill and tenacious attitude. And to a player ready to take the next step in his career.
Having made his mark with a struggling Hoffenheim side following a €4M move to Germany as a 19-year-old, the player felt this summer was the right time for him to move on. The fans and his former club seem to harbour no ill will over the decision, and Firmino spoke to Hoffenheim’s official website today, reflecting on the four-and-a-half seasons he spent with them in Germany and about what he hopes comes next for him at Liverpool.
"I’ve had four great years here—in terms of my football, I’ve learnt a lot of new things and I’ve had some fantastic life experiences too," said the now 23-year-old attacker. "My time and the people here in Kraichgau will always have a place in my heart. It’s been here in Hoffenheim and the surrounding areas that I’ve developed into the person that I am, [but] I’ve now got the opportunity to start a new exciting chapter."
Since joining in January of 2010, Firmino made 153 total appearances for Hoffenheim and scored 49 goals and 36 assists along the way while making an impact at every position in attack, from midfield to winger to striker. Regularly one of the hardest workers on the pitch and with a reputation for training well, there should be little trouble for him transitioning to England from the similarly physical Bundesliga.
Currently on holiday following the Copa America, Firmino and new club teammate Philippe Coutinho are both expected to join up with Liverpool in a little less than two weeks, which could see them available to take part in the club’s Australian friendlies against Brisbane Roar on the 17th and Adelaide United on the 20th. Failing that, an appearance in the friendly against a Malaysia XI on July 24th seems likely.
"I’m looking forward to the new challenge and I’m excited to see what the Premier League has to offer," added Firmino. "Of course everything will once again be new to me at the start—I’m going to have to get used to a new playing style, but I’ll also get the opportunity to improve my game even further there. Obviously I’d like to establish myself as a starter in my new team and go on to celebrate a lot of success."