Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has confessed his delight at playing for Jurgen Klopp's side,claiming that he 'loves' living on Merseyside and playing in the Premier League with plans to stay in England for 'many more years'.
The 25-year-old has been one of Liverpool's brightest performers this season, notching five goals and providing three assists in 16 appearances.
While the Brazilian international admits that it took time to adjust to life in the Premier League, he now feels right at home and plans to stay on Merseyside for years to come.
I think I have had to change the way I play. I was adapted to European football after playing in Germany for three years but English football is very different to the Bundesliga,� Firmino toldLiverpool's official website.
You really notice that the Premier League is much, much faster - the pace is very high and you do need to adjust, but this is a type of football that I enjoy.
Firmino: Being really honest, I love it here & plan to stay for many years - here it is really competitive & tests you all the time.�
Being really honest, I love it here and plan to stay for many years in the future as the Premier League is really competitive and tests you all the time.�
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp often plays Firmino in a striker position, but it's not uncommon to see him popping up in different positions all over the pitch, something that he attributes to playing as a right-back earlier in his career.
ï’¬ Words from a happy @Roberto_Firmino! pic.twitter.com/KR9HmeHH6W
When I was younger I played as a right-back. I also played as a central defender but I realised that I could dominate the ball quite calmly so I started playing further forward in front of the back four,� Firmino added.
After a while I thought that I was quite offensive so when I was 17 or 18, I started playing a more forward-thinking midfielder. That's how I eventually ended up playing in the areas like I am today.
If it depended on me, I would play in every corner of the ground because that's the type of player I am! But obviously it alters depending on the needs of the team.
At the moment, I am playing up front but I can play anywhere the manager asks me to. My preference is to be inside the area, near where the goals are scored - that's my preference!
But my main aim is to be helpful to the team in achieving what we need to achieve.�