Firmino: I’m at Liverpool to win titles

Posted Friday, June 26, 2015 by squawka.com

New Liverpool midfielder Roberto Firmino says he joined the Reds to win titles, claiming it was time to leave Hoffenheim, per the Daily Star.

Firmino, 23, was a target for Liverpool’s fierce rivals Manchester United this summer, but he completed a £29million move to Anfield this week. It came as quite a shock considering their lack of Champions League football.

But the midfielder, who is currently on international duty with Brazil at the Copa America, says he believes he can have success under boss Brendan Rodgers next season.

''It is time to leave Hoffenheim for a bigger club to fight for titles,” he told Kicker as reported by the Daily Star.

''But for now I am concentrated on the Copa.”

Firmino was a vital player for Hoffenheim last term, almost inspiring them to Europa League qualification. In 33 Bundesliga games, he scored seven goals, creating 69 chances and registering 10 assists.

He will likely replace Raheem Sterling at Anfield, with the England winger refusing to sign a new contract at Anfield.

With two years to run on his current deal, the club may choose to cash in on their star man now, with Manchester City having already seen two bids turned down (Daily Mail).

Firmino will give Liverpool more creativity and he’ll be very effective in transitions, having completed 140 take ons with a success rate of 57% in the Bundesliga last season. He joins up with fellow countrymen Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva at Anfield.