Jurgen Klopp admits Roberto Firmino surprised him with Liverpool exit decision
Jurgen Klopp has confessed he was surprised to learn that Roberto Firmino has decided to leave Liverpool this summer.
Firmino, 31, will depart the Reds at the end of his contract in June after a successful eight-year spell on Merseyside. The announcement was made last Friday, two days before Liverpool's clash against Manchester United.
The Brazilian fittingly marked the occasion by scoring the Reds' final goal as they thrashed arch rivals United 7-0 at Anfield on Sunday evening. Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez struck a brace each.
Ahead of Liverpool's trip to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, Klopp revealed that he was partly shocked to hear about Firmino's decision - but also claimed his main emotion was respect.
The former Hoffenheim forward has scored 108 goals in 354 matches for the Reds since his move in 2015. Speaking on Friday, Klopp said of the Brazilian's decision to leave: "Surprised? A bit. I respect it a lot. [It is] Normal in this long relationship we have.
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"It's pretty special and I love the reception he got against Manchester United. He wants to bring this wonderful story to a positive end. The song will be here for a long time."
Liverpool may dip into the transfer market in the summer, with Klopp ready to bolster his squad with a number of new additions. Although it is understood that the Reds will prioritise midfielders, they could also try and sign a new forward in the window.
Jurgen Klopp was "a bit" surprised by Roberto Firmino's decision to leave (Getty Images)Will Liverpool finish in the top four this season? Let us know in the comments below!
Klopp added: "This same kind [of future investment] needs to happen next. I think it makes sense for Mike [Gordon, Fenway Sports Group president] to talk. You can speak to him, I have his number..."
Klopp's men travel to Bournemouth in the early kick-off this weekend looking to secure their third successive Premier League victory as they try and leapfrog Tottenham into the top four. The Reds will move back into the Champions League places if they secure a win over the Cherries, with Spurs not in action against Nottingham Forest until 3pm.
The Liverpool boss was asked about the top four and said: "We have to chase and challenge everyone. The main thing is going to Bournemouth and playing a game there. I watched the way they play and it can be really uncomfortable for teams. We might fight for the Champions League spots but the fight for staying in the league is just as exciting. I'm sure Bournemouth will fight like crazy."
Klopp ruled three players out of the trip to the south coast. Luis Diaz, Joe Gomez and Thiago will miss the game, with the former expected to return to training next week. The Colombian winger has not featured for the Reds since October after damaging his knee ligaments in a 3-2 defeat by Arsenal.
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