Klopp reacts to Firmino's departure

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reacted to forward Roberto Firmino's decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the 2022-23 season.

The Reds number nine had a successful career at Liverpool after winning numerous trophies.

“Yes, he told me. Surprised? Yes, a little bit but I was not hit by surprise, actually it’s a normal thing to do,” Klopp told reporters on Friday.

“It could go two ways and it was one. And I respect that a lot. It’s completely normal in this kind of long relationship that we have and Bobby has with the club and with most of the players and stuff like this, and with the fans of course.

“It’s pretty special and I loved the reception he got when he came on against United. He told me and then the only other thing he said is, ‘Now I want to bring this wonderful story to a positive end.’ So, that’s it. He is completely here and completely committed, how everybody can imagine. And that’s all we need to know.

“There’s no time for a goodbye or whatever in this moment, there’s enough time for that later in the season. Whenever he will come back, everybody knows that the song will still be for a long, long time in everybody’s ears I’m pretty sure.

“No problem. I think he’s one of these players that even when he would come with an opposition team, people would be really happy to see him.”

Earlier, Firmino told Liverpool that he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The Brazil international was offered an extension but he has decided to pursue a new challenge.

Firmino, who has scored 108 goals in 354 appearances for the club, is considered one of the best Liverpool players ever after an eight-year career with the club since arriving from Hoffenheim in 2015.

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