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Roberto Firmino does not want to leave Liverpool, seemingly dispelling any suggestion he could join Juventus.
Serie A giants Juve had been linked with making a move for Firmino, who has just one year remaining on his deal at Anfield.
Previously a guaranteed starter for Jurgen Klopp, Firmino’s place in Liverpool’s starting XI is no longer assured, with Diogo Jota having excelled since his arrival from Wolves and Darwin Nunez signing from Benfica.
Sadio Mane also filled in centrally for much of last season, with Luis Diaz having taken up a place on the left, but the Senegal forward has now departed for Bayern Munich.
With Jota sidelined through injury, Firmino – who scored just five league goals last season – started in Liverpool’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City on Saturday, which the Reds went on to win 3-1.
Afterwards, Firmino told TNT Brazil he has no intention of leaving Liverpool.
“I love this team, city and [the] fans,” the 30-year-old said. “I’m here at Liverpool, and I want to stay, of course.”
Firmino played 59 minutes against City at the King Power Stadium, having one shot and creating one chance.
He was replaced by Nunez, who played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s victory, winning a penalty that Mohamed Salah converted to put the Reds back in front after Julian Alvarez’s equaliser, before scoring late in stoppage time.
Nunez became the fourth player under Klopp to net on his Liverpool debut – after Mane, Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Klopp had previously emphasised Firmino’s importance, saying on Thursday that the former Hoffenheim attacker was “the heart and soul of this team”.
