Firmino on Liverpool, Real Madrid and hitting his peak
Friday, May 18, 2018
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"I always want more and I am never satisfied," said Roberto Firmino, who hopes to add to his ten-goal tally in the final against Real Madrid.
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Roberto Firmino has scored ten goals since the start of the group stage in his first season in the UEFA Champions League; the 26-year-old is now hoping that the campaign will end with "a unique moment".
On growing up in Brazil
I really lived my childhood to the fullest, while obviously also studying too. [Every day] I used to finish school and go and play football. I started out at youth level as a holding midfielder. Later, I played as a [more attacking] central midfielder. I always modeled myself on Ronaldinho. He was one of my favourites who I followed a lot – his magic, made us want to imitate him and his football. Is my goal celebration a tribute to him? Yes, of course. I like him a lot.
On moving to Hoffenheim and then Liverpool
The weather, the food [and] the German culture is very different from our culture in Brazil, but I kept my focus and by the second month I was playing [in the first team]. How was coming to Liverpool? It was also a little different. [English] football is faster and more intense. I needed some time to adapt, but not a lot. Now I've adapted 100%.
On the road to Kyiv
All the matches [have had good moments]. We got good results [at home] against Manchester City and Roma. I thought we played great [in those games] and I hope we can keep that up. Am I happy with having scored ten goals since the start of the group stage? Very, very. Although I am a little bit annoyed, because I always want more and I am never satisfied. However, you cannot beat yourself up about these things all the time and you must always keep moving forward. It is my first season in the Champions League and I am one of the leading scorers, alongside Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Mohamed] Salah. This is my best year as a professional footballer.
On Real Madrid
We know about Real Madrid. They are always winning titles in the Champions League and in the Spanish league too. I've never played against them, but I've watched their games and they're very competitive. However, this is a final; a one-off game, a one-off moment. They'll also be up against Liverpool – a team and a club with a great pedigree. We are going to fight until the end.
On what it would mean to win the UEFA Champions League
[It would be] a unique moment. It's a very special trophy. If we're fortunate enough to be able to win it, it will be a very emotional moment for me and the whole team. We know the club's history and we always aim to perform at a high level to try and continue winning trophies.