Roberto Firmino has explained how he was reduced to tears by the welcome the Liverpool players received by the home supporters ahead of their victory over Manchester City.
Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Anfield has put them in an extremely advantageous position heading into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.
Contrary to their hosts, City were not so welcome as they received a hostile reception by home fans who pelted their team bus with bottles and flares upon arrival at Anfield – an incident Liverpool have condemned ad apologised for in a club statement.
Roberto Firmino roars at Anfield as he celebrates Mohamed Salah’s goal with supporters
Meanwhile, Liverpool were given a hero’s welcome as they arrived for the eagerly-awaited encounter, which Firmino revealed to ESPN Brazil made him cry.
‘When we were on the bus, I was reading about how the reception was going to be,’ he said. ‘I must say, it filled my eyes full of tears! It was very moving for me. ‘It only gives us more strength to fight on the field and win the games.’
Firmino wasn’t able to get on the score sheet on the night, but played a pivotal role in the opener by assisting Mohamed Salah’s opening goal, which ultimately got the ball rolling.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sadio Mane added the second and third goals to proceedings to leave Pep Guardiola’s City a mountain to climb in the return leg.
‘I think we played really well,’ Firmino said. ‘We had a great game, we scored and kept the clean sheet, which is important.
‘But as I said, we haven’t won the tie yet, we have to keep focused.’
Firmino revealed how he was touched by the welcome the Liverpool players received
It will turn out to be a crucial fortnight for Liverpool as they look ahead to their trip to Everton on Saturday for the Merseyside derby before next week’s second leg.
Goalscorer Salah may not be risked for the entirety of the derby at Goodison Park after limping off eight minutes into the second-half with a groin strain, and manager Jurgen Klopp will await a available for both Everton and City games.
He said: ‘We lose one player to injury (Salah) and another – the captain (Jordan Henderson) – to a yellow card so it does not feel good.
‘Mo said he feels good but we will have to see about that.’
Firmino revealed the welcome the home side received on their coach reduced him to tears
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