Barcelona and Brazil legend Rivaldo tells Firmino not to follow in his footsteps

28 April 2023 , 15:57

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Roberto Firmino will leave Liverpool at the end of the season (Image: Getty Images)

Roberto Firmino is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season when his contract comes to an end and the forward has been linked with a move to Barcelona.

Firmino will depart Anfield as a Liverpool legend, having helped the club win six major trophies in eight seasons. However, the 31-year-old has struggled for consistent game time this year, having made just one Premier League start since the World Cup.

And as a result, Barcelona and Brazil legend Rivaldo has warned Firmino he "might need to look for another club that gives him greater assurance of playing more minutes" rather than following in his footsteps by heading to the Nou Camp.

Speaking to Betfair, Rivaldo said: "There have been rumours in recent days that Barcelona may look to sign Firmino who is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. ‌

"Following in the footsteps of other great Brazilian players, I believe Firmino would fulfil a dream of playing for Barcelona. However, I think he should first find out what his role in the team would be.

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"Xavi always plays with one centre forward - Robert Lewandowski - and the arrival of Firmino could suggest a change of strategy, but will most likely mean that he would be a bench player who would play only a few minutes.

‌"That's why I think he should weigh up his decision, not least because he's leaving Liverpool because he's lost his leading role within the club. That does not take away the beautiful history he has written.

(Getty Images)

‌"No doubt playing at Barcelona is a dream come true, but at this late stage of his career, he might need to look for another club that gives him greater assurance of playing more minutes. So, should he reach an agreement with Barcelona, I would hope that he talks to Xavi first in order to understand what his role in the squad will be."

Firmino was offered a contract extension by Liverpool and manager Jurgen Klopp admitted the forward's decision to turn it down came as something of a shock. Speaking at a press conference last month, Klopp said: "Surprised? Yes, a little bit - it could go two ways and it went one.

"And I respect that a lot. But it's completely normal in this kind of long relationship that we have and Bobby has with the club."

Matthew Cooper