Roberto Firmino has admitted that he will not let the monetary value of his move to Liverpool bother him.
The Brazilian international completed a move from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim to the Reds earlier this summer, a move worth £29 million, but, when asked by German newspaper Bild if he is bothered by the price tag, he said, "not at all."
Instead, the 23-year-old sees the money paid for him as a positive, calling it "a recognition and confirmation" of his talent.
Firmino explains decision to choose Liverpool
Many clubs were chasing the attacker, but he revealed that he "chose Liverpool because they have taken over a year" pursuing him. He admitted that, "right away, [he] had a good feeling" about the move and knows about the "gigantic significance of the club worldwide."
On top of this, Firmino said that his Brazilian teammate Philippe Coutinho also played a huge part in persuading him to move to Anfield as, when he asked him about Liverpool, Coutinho "totally raved about the club."
He believes having his compatriot as his club teammate will "make settling in easier" too as he's his "countryman," "knows much already about the club" and the two "understand each other well."
Firmino also told Bild that he is most looking forward to "being at the stadium at Anfield with the fans." He admitted that he "get[s] goose bumps already just thinking about how they will sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone'," and is also excited about being "in the best league in the world."
The 23-year-old is confident he "can develop [himself]" with Liverpool because, "physically," the move presents "a completely new challenge" as he will be competing in "three competitions and the Europa League."
Career so far
Firmino attracted the attention of Brendan Rodgers and his side after a sublime couple of seasons in particular with Hoffenheim. He joined the Bundesliga side from Figueirense in 2010 after scoring 12 goals in 53 games for the Brazilian club, and has lit Germany's top flight alight with his performances in the last five years.
The Bundesliga has helped him mature and develop, with him moving there as an 18-year-old and leaving as a player with the world at his feet. Last term, the Brazilian managed 10 goals and 10 assists in 36 games, as his team finished eighth in the table, missing out on Europa League football by just two points.
Firmino's performances earned him his first call-up to the Brazilian national team last year too, and since making his debut in November 2014, he has played 10 games and scored four goals.
