Liverpool’s draw at Anfield against Aston Villa did not help their faint hopes of snatching a place in the Champions League next season, but it was fitting that Roberto Firmino offered hope of salvation. This was the day that Anfield bid farewell to the very soul of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
The loss of Sadio Mane earlier in the season had an effect, but the departure of Bobby has the potential to be felt more profoundly than that of his former teammate. Firmino’s influence on the contemporary rise of Liverpool goes beyond the pitch, with the feelgood element he brings to the dressing room, training ground and terraces being completely irreplaceable.
For over four decades, there has been no relationship quite like the one between Bobby and the supporters. We adore those who pull on a red shirt and show commitment to the cause, but Bobby had something extra. His outrageous skill, esoteric vision, no-look passes and goals, as well as his whimsical side and mischief, made him an irreplaceable part of Liverpool. Who now can we look to for those dance routines, the flying kicks to accompany the goals of his teammates and that tongue-in-cheek humour?
The feeling appears to be mutual between Bobby and the supporters, with tears on Saturday as he left Anfield. He was like an underground indie band with a small but dedicated following who just grew and grew. Though the last couple of years have drifted for him, he has stepped up when asked and available. Had he been fit all season, Liverpool would be comfortably in the top four now.
Klopp told Philippe Coutinho all about the projected legacy he would be cashing in if he left for the Nou Camp, yet he made the decision to depart. In doing so, he set in motion a domino effect that led to Champions League and Premier League glory for Liverpool. Bobby won all there was to win, gaining Scouse cultural immortality in the process.
With one game to go before the end of a season to forget, Bobby Firmino waved goodbye with a goal and a flying kick down on the south coast. He will be hard pushed to reach cult hero status again, but Liverpool fans will not begrudge him if he resurfaces in Catalonia or at Real Madrid. Shine on, you crazy diamond.