ROBERTO FIRMINO left the Anfield pitch in tears after scoring in his final home game for Liverpool.
The Brazilian, 31, is set to depart the Reds at the end of the season following a sensational eight-year stint on Merseyside.
Roberto Firmino was emotional as he made his way off the pitchCredit: Reuters
He is leaving after eight years at AnfieldCredit: Reuters
The Liverpool crowd sung his name at full-timeCredit: Reuters
He was overwhelmed by the emotion of the farewellCredit: Getty
But on Saturday afternoon he proved one last time that he still has the talent to dig Jurgen Klopp’s men out of the mire.
Replacing Luis Diaz in the 72nd minute, Liverpool were trailing Aston Villa 1-0 – knowing a defeat would end their outside chance of a top four spot.
But Firmino popped up to equalise for the hosts in the 89th minute and keep alive their slim Champions League hopes.
It means Man Utd will now have to take a point from one of their final two matches to guarantee they finish above Liverpool.
And it was the perfect Anfield send-off for Firmino as he brings the curtain down on a sensational spell.
The South American forward was visibly emotional after the final whistle as he took in the adulation from the crowd.
The Anfield faithful proudly sung his name at the top of their voices to create an incredibly poignant moment.
Firmino has racked up 110 goals and 79 assists in 361 games for the club.
He played an integral role in the formidable trio that was himself, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.
His trophy cabinet includes a Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League.
James Milner came off the bench with Firmino in what was also his final Anfield game.
Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are the other players departing the club this summer, but they did not feature in the matchday squad.
SOURCE: .thesun.co.uk
