Liverpool’s £29m summer signing Roberto Firmino has only made two cameo appearances so far, but is delighted with the transfer and how well he’s settling in.
The attacker came off the bench versus Stoke and Bournemouth, but is hoping for a start away to Arsenal at the Emirates Monday night.
With Adam Lallana and Jordon Ibe failing to impress so far, the South American hotshot might be given his first full chance to impress against Arsene Wenger’s title hopefuls.
Firmino knew of our interest way before the transfer went through, and has hinted that the fact we’ve already two Brazilians on our books helped sway his decision.
“I first knew about it a few months earlier and I instantly thought it would be an interesting idea for me because I knew Lucas and Coutinho were playing here,” Firmino began, reported in the Echo.
SEE MORE:
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Arsenal – Emre Can makes first start of the season
Gary McAllister responds to Liverpool’s critics and backs the Reds to turn on the style
“I had the chance to play alongside Philippe for the national team so, yes, I knew it would be a great opportunity for me straight away.
“I’m very happy to be here.
“He [Coutinho] said it’s a great club with a great squad and a great spirit so I’m really happy to be here,” added Firmino.
“Now I know for myself that the team spirit is really good, because the players gave me a really warm welcome.”
“I wasn’t aware of any other concrete offers for me, I only know that Liverpool were the only one keen to sign me and I wanted to come here,” he said.
“It was interesting [for Ayre to fly out] but when he went to the Copa America to sign me, everything was already agreed so it was just the formalities.
“Obviously Liverpool is a great club and as a great club Liverpool has to be fighting for big things.
“We have to be at the top so we will be fighting for a Champions League spot for next year and hoping to finish as high as we can in the Premier League.”
Liverpool fans can’t wait to see Firmino unleashed. Brendan Rodgers has been careful to make sure the former Hoffenheim man is fully integrated and fully fit before starting him – due to his participation in the Copa America this summer with Brazil.
Hopefully the attacker can form an attacking relationship with Coutinho that can fire us towards the top four – which is undoubtedly our aim this term.
If they click, anything is possible.