Liverpool will lose a ‘special’ player and person when Roberto Firmino departs the club at the end of the season.
That’s according to Andy Robertson, who has penned a tribute to the departing Brazilian in The Athletic today. Joined by a broad spectrum of well-wishers from inside and outside the club, Robertson claimed that none of Liverpool’s recent success would have been possible without Bobby.
“The best way to sum up Bobby’s contribution to Liverpool would be that, without him, nothing would have been possible,” said the left-back. “The way we wanted to play, the way we went about our business, everything started with Bobby, with his pressing and his technical ability. He was our main man. When you look back on the great moments, Bobby was always involved in them – such an important player in helping us achieve the success that we did.
“He’s world class. There’s nothing he can’t do with the ball at his feet. There’s nothing he can’t do without the ball, either, when he’s chasing after players. His work rate and his effort were always 100 per cent. There were so many times where he would set off the press and set the tone for us.
“He’s also an amazing person. No matter whether he’s going through a tough time with injuries or whatever, he’s always had a big smile on his face, and that was infectious. If you were ever feeling down, if you just looked at Bobby and that big smile, it lifted all of us and cheered us all up. He’ll be massively missed both in the changing room and on the pitch.”
Robertson picks his favourite Firmino moment
As well as penning that lovely tribute to his teammate of six years, Robbo also picked his favourite ‘Firmino moment.’ Having scored 109 times for the Reds and won just about every trophy going along the way, there’s a few of these to choose from.
But the Scotland captain opts for a moment that he feels truly sums up Bobby the player. And we have to admit, it’s a very good choice.
“My favourite Bobby moment would probably be his hat-trick against Arsenal at home (in December 2018),” Robertson said. “We went behind early doors and then the way we reacted was unbelievable to win 5-1. Bobby started it. There was that goal he scored where he dribbled past about five of their players – they were all falling at his feet. That summed up how incredibly talented he is as a player and what a good football brain he’s got.”
When analysing Firmino’s best goals for Liverpool, the one Robbo describes will always feature highly. The image of two Arsenal players flailing on the grass as Bobby slotted past Bernd Leno sums our No.9 up perfectly. Try as you might you just couldn’t get near him. And my word, did he love scoring against Arsenal, too!
Firmino signals end of an era
Closing his message to the Brazil international, Robertson admits that he’s ‘loved every moment’ the two have shared on the pitch since 2017.
“Bobby, you’ll be missed. I’ve loved every moment of playing with you for the past six years. It’s been an amazing time,” said the 29-year-old. “You’re such a special player and such a special person to share a changing room with. I want to wish you and your family all the best with whatever the future holds for you. I know you’ll be successful wherever you go.”
We’re not crying, you are! Another legendary figure of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool departs. With James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all now confirmed to be following Firmino out the door, an era comes to a close. What a ride it’s been.
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