Roberto Firmino left in tears as Anfield paid tribute to four departing Liverpool stars – The Mirror

Roberto Firmino scored a dramatic late equalizer on the day Anfield paid tribute to the departing Brazilian star on his final home appearance.

Liverpool paid tribute to two of their longest-serving players, with James Milner and Firmino both being honored by the club in the Reds’ final home game of the season. Banners were hoisted on the Kop before the match, and both players were also greeted enthusiastically as their names were read out, with both on the substitutes’ bench for a crucial game.

Both players received huge cheers in the closing stages, with their presence lifting the Reds up. Firmino equalized in the 89th minute, scoring from a Mo Salah cross, with the 31-year-old having the chance to celebrate his goal in front of a jubilant Kop.

A tearful Firmino was hugged by compatriot Alisson after the match, with the Reds goalkeeper hugging his tearful teammate and speaking words in his ear following a remarkable success together.

After the game, they were able to soak up the love of the Anfield faithful, with a lap around the pitch to show appreciation to the club’s fans as the players’ families joined them on the pitch. As the players lapped the pitch, de Kop sang a song aimed at the departing Firmino as he took in the love for a city he has called home for the past eight years.

Both players arrived before Jurgen Klopp took over, with their arrival in 2015 as the club began a remarkable climb to success. The Reds eventually won the Champions League title in 2019 and a Premier League title a year later in 2020. Firmino in particular was praised for his part in a terrifying attacking trio alongside Salah and Sadio Mane.

Mane left the club last summer, meaning Salah is now the only member of the iconic three fronts to be at the club next season.

Firmino’s next destination is unclear, but as he has been one of the key players in one of Europe’s best sides in recent years, there will be a lot of interest in him.

Milner was given a fond farewell in his last Anfield game, with the 37-year-old heading to Brighton next season.

His 330 appearances for the club over the course of eight years earned him some major honours, with the former Manchester City midfielder becoming a popular figure at Anfield and a useful servant who was often asked to play out of position.

All four departing players, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, were each given a post-match guard of honor by teammates and club staff, with a parting gift for each player.

When it was announced in March that Firmino would be leaving the club, Klopp spoke of his admiration for the Brazilian and revealed how his legacy would live on at Anfield.

He said: “There is no time for goodbyes or anything at the moment, there will be plenty of time for that later in the season. When he comes back, everyone knows that the song will be in everyone’s ears for a very, very long time, I’m pretty sure of that.”

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