Roberto Firmino rolled back the years by playing a key role in Al-Ahil’s Asian Champions League success on Saturday evening. The former Liverpool hero provided two assists as his Saudi Pro League club defeated Japanese outfit Kawasaki Frontale 2-0.
The Brazilian’s time in the Middle East has been inconsistent as he was left out of the league squad back in February before finding form in the AFC Champions League alongside other ex-Premier League great Riyad Mahrez. Firmino was instrumental as his side lifted their first piece of silverware since his arrival in 2023.
The 33-year-old attacker wore the captain’s armband and lifted the trophy after providing assists for ex-Porto winger Galeno and former Barcelona midfielder Franck Yannick Kessie. After the match, Firmino spoke to CBS Sports to give a passionate message to the club’s fans.
Firmino Thanks God After Al-Ahli Glory
‘I don’t give up, I never give up’
An emotional Firmino was asked to sum up his feelings after the triumph. The Brazil international expressed his gratitude to his God and explained how he never gave up despite the setback of being removed from the league squad. He said:
“There are no words to express what I feel inside, in my heart. They took me out of the league and left me in the Champions League, and I don’t give up, I never give up.
“I know who brought me here, and I want to give back all the glory to God. He knows what plans he had for us. It’s a pleasure to be part of this club.”
Stating just how hard it was to keep positive during his absence from the team, Firmino continued: “I was out for months without playing. It’s very difficult, but you have to believe, to fight.”
With 13 goal contributions in 10 appearances throughout the competition, Firmino was named the Player of the Tournament after his brilliant contribution to his side’s success. It wasn’t just a good night for Al-Ahli supporters, but for Liverpool fans too, who were delighted to see a beloved former star go on to achieve success.
Liverpool Fans Notice Big Firmino Difference
‘That’s more English than he ever spoke when he was with Liverpool’
With the outpouring of love from Liverpool fans on social media towards Firmino, some noticed a huge difference when listening to his interview. The Brazilian was well-known to not be able to speak English during his time in the Premier League, but appears to have improved massively in this regard since his Saudi move.
Shocked Reds’ supporters were quick to point this out on social media, with one saying: “Spoke more English here than I ever heard him speak at LFC hahah! Get in Bobby!” Another then added: “I think this is the first time I have heard him speak more than two words. Delighted for him on the victory.”
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Many recalled the fact that they had never heard an English interview from the 33-year-old during his time in the country, with just some words being spoken in the language. One fan posted: “Guy never gave an interview in English while at Liverpool… Best in the world…”
More confused supporters got in on the debate, with an X user asking: “WTF!! Bobby went to Saudi and started speaking better English than he ever did when in England?” Still wanting to show love to the skilful attacker, another stated: “That’s more English than he ever spoke when he was with Liverpool hahaha. Si Senor, best in the world.”
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