Roberto Firmino ‘grateful to God’ for Liverpool return

Roberto Firmino and Fabinho expressed their delight at returning to Anfield to watch Liverpool’s 4-2 mauling of Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.

The Brazilians spent a combined 13 years at the Reds, winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during their successful stints with the club.

Firmino and Fabinho both left Liverpool in the summer, with the pair joining Saudi Pro League clubs – Fabinho linked up with Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad, and Firmino joined Riyad Mahrez at Al Ahli.

Both players made their first trip back to Anfield since leaving the club this week, watching Liverpool dispatch of Newcastle to go three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Speaking about the return to Anfield to Liverpool’s official website, Firmino stated that it was “emotional” to return to the club.

“I’m very happy to be back here at home, at Liverpool and the stadium as well, Anfield. I’m very grateful to God for bringing me these moments again, to watch the game. Of course I’m not playing but I watch the game and see the boys,” said Firmino.

“It’s always emotional [to be here], you cannot forget you were here. We had a very good history here at the club that we achieved together and nobody can claim this history, it’s already in the history [books]. We are here to support.”

Since the pair’s departures, Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market in order to revamp their starting lineup. The Reds were particularly busy in the summer window in order to sign replacements for Fabinho at the heart of the midfield, bringing four midfielders through the door in total – Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo.

Speaking about said signings, Fabinho admitted that is impressed by their quick integration into the starting XI.

“It’s really important for the team that the players that arrived are already playing good football, really integrated to the team,” Fabinho said.

“Players like Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Endo are playing really well. It’s important because the team lost some really important players. I think they are doing a good job.

“Unfortunately, Thiago is not playing regularly [at the moment] but I’m sure with his experience he is helping these players as well – he talks a lot, he has really good communication.

“The players that arrived here are doing a great job.”