20 May 2023 , 11:52
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Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is expected to get an emotional farewell in his final Anfield appearance, and team-mate Cody Gakpo believes the Brazilian deserves it after his eight years of service.
Firmino joined Liverpool from Hoffenheim in 2015 as one of the Reds' last signings before current manager Jurgen Klopp took the reins. The forward has won the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds, among a number of other honours, and scored the winning goal in their Club World Cup triumph in 2019.
January signing Gakpo looks to be the natural heir to his colleague, having moved into a more central position of late. It's a relatively unfamiliar position to him after starting from the left for previous club PSV Eindhoven, and the Dutch international has been grateful for Firmino's help.
"At first [the central role was a surprise], but after a few games I also was growing into the role and still learning how to play the best at that position," Gakpo told Sky Sports. "I'm lucky that Bobby Firmino's still here so I can steal some things from him. He's a really good player and has played this position fantastically.
"I can learn a lot from him, his movement, his awareness, where he is on the pitch and how we link up play from the back to the attacking side of the field. So yeah, I just try to learn from him, from what the coaches are saying, and improve my game."
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Firmino received a warm reception from Liverpool's travelling fans on Monday, though injury meant he was not involved in the win at Leicester. He is expected to play some part against Aston Villa, though, with an emotional send-off anticipated.
What are your abiding memories of Roberto Firmino at Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section
Roberto Firmino is set to leave Liverpool after eight years (Visionhaus via Getty Images)Gakpo praised Firmino's influence both on and off the field, having been able to discover "what kind of person he is". Firmino will be the second member of Liverpool's title-winning front three to move on, after Sadio Mane's switch to Bayern Munich last summer.
"I think it will be very emotional because he's a really great guy who is always happy and tries to help everybody, and on the pitch he's just a fantastic player," Gakpo continued. "I think it will be very emotional and I think he will be missed by everybody.
"I think goosebumps for everybody, but I think he deserves it [the send-off]," he added. The 24-year-old expects to continue in the middle next term after Firmino's exit, though manager Jurgen Klopp may yet make further additions to his squad.
Victory over Villa on Saturday would be enough to keep Liverpool's Champions League hopes alive. Rivals Manchester United sit a point ahead with a game in hand, though, and host Bournemouth at the same time as the Reds' game.