Roberto Firmino was left in tears as Anfield paid tribute to four departing Liverpool stars in the final home game of the season.
On the day Anfield paid respect to the retiring Brazilian star on his final home appearance, Roberto Firmino struck a thrilling late equalizer. As part of their tribute to two of their longest-tenured players, James Milner and Firmino were both celebrated by Liverpool during the Reds’ final home game of the season.
Banners were placed on the Kop before the game, and both players received thunderous applause when their names were announced. Both guys were on the substitutes’ bench for a pivotal game.
In the 89th minute, Firmino leveled the score by converting a Mo Salah cross, and the 31-year-old had the chance to enjoy his accomplishment in front of the delighted Kop.
Alisson embraced his sad teammate following the game and spoke encouraging words in his ear. The pair had a spectacular run of success together.
After the game, the players’ families joined them on the field for a lap of the area to show appreciation for the club’s supporters.
Later on, the Kop sang a song to the departing Firmino as the players circled the pitch, letting him feel the affection of the city he had lived in for the previous eight years.
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Both players joined the team in 2015, just as the group began a phenomenal rise to glory before Jurgen Klopp became manager. Later in 2019, the Reds won the Premier League in 2020 and the Champions League in 2019. Particularly Firmino was praised for his role in a dangerous attacking three with Salah and Sadio Mane.
Salah is the sole surviving member of the illustrious front three after Mane left the team in the summer of last year. Although Firmino’s plans are unknown, there will be a lot of interest in him because he was a significant member of one of Europe’s top teams in recent years.
With the 37-year-old poised to join Brighton for the upcoming season, Milner had a heartfelt sendoff in his final game at Anfield. The former Manchester City midfielder won numerous prestigious awards throughout his 330 appearances for the team over eight years.
He established himself as a beloved figure at Anfield despite frequently being asked to play outside his natural position.
After the game, teammates and club personnel formed a guard of honor for the four outgoing players, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, each receiving a farewell gift.
When Firmino’s departure from the team was revealed in March, Klopp expressed his respect for the Brazilian and said Anfield would continue Firmino’s legacy.
He said: “There’s no time for goodbye or whatever at this moment; there’s enough time for that later in the season. Whenever he comes back, everybody knows that the song will still be in everybody’s ears for a long, long time, I’m pretty sure.”
