Emotional Scenes As Teary Roberto Firmino Bids Liverpool Goodbye With Crucial Goal

Emotional Scenes As Teary Roberto Firmino Bids Liverpool Goodbye With Crucial Goal

Martin Moses
updated at May 20, 2023 at 4:56 PM
  • Roberto Firmino scored a fairytale goal in his last-ever appearance at Anfield as a Liverpool player
  • The striker came off the bench to equalise proceedings against a resilient Aston Villa on Saturday
  • Firmino was later accorded a perfect sending-off with three other players who will leave at the end of the season

Roberto Firmino came off the bench to rescue a point for Liverpool in his final home as a Reds player on May 20. The Brazilian finished from close range after Mohamed Salah squared the ball inside the area.

The goal sent Anfield into a frenzy, with the striker set to depart on a free transfer at the end of the season. The goal also restored parity after Jacob Ramsey had given Aston Villa the lead in the first half.

Roberto Firmino, Liverpool, Anfield, Aston Villa
Roberto Firmino celebrates after scoring the equaliser against Aston Villa on May 20. Photo by Andrew Powell.
Source: Getty Images

However, Jurgen Klopp won't be impressed with the point, as their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season were dealt a heavy blow.

Manchester United's 1-0 win over Bournemouth left both the Red Devils and Newcastle requiring just a point to secure a top-four finish. Both teams have played a game less than Liverpool.

Firmino farewell

A teary Firmino was then serenaded by Anfield as the fans sang and held banners, thanking the former Hoffenheim striker for his services.

His departure will see only Salah remain of the famous Klopp attacking trio that also had Sadio Mane. The trio won the Premier League, Champions League and a domestic cup double.

Firmino was joined by James Milner, who will also be leaving. The veteran is expected to join Brighton and Hove Albion, while Firmino's next club remains unknown.

Tyrone Mings escapes red card

In the same game, Tyrone Mings should thank his lucky stars after he escaped a red card during Aston Villa's Premier League game against Liverpool.

Sports Brief reported that Mings lunged into Liverpool's forward Cody Gakpo, with his boot landing right on the Dutchman's chest. Centre referee John Brooks issued a yellow card, with the Video Assistant Referee recommending no further action.

The decision astounded fans both at Anfield Stadium and on social media, who felt that Mings' challenge deserved a sending-off.

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Martin Moses
Martin Moses is a sports journalist with over five years of experience in media. He graduated from Multimedia University of Kenya (Bachelor of Journalism, 2017-2021)
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