Liverpool midfielder Roberto Firmino targets era of success
Wednesday 2 September 2015 10:11, UK
Roberto Firmino says he signed for Liverpool in order to challenge for major honours and has targeted Champions League qualification with the club.
The Brazil midfielder joined Liverpool from Hoffenheim in July for an initial £21.3m after four successful years with the German club, scoring 49 times in 153 appearances.
Firmino has featured in all four of Liverpool's Premier League matches so far this season, but is yet to register his first goal for the club since making the move from Germany.
The 23-year-old also revealed he had dreamed of a switch to the Premier League before sealing his switch to Merseyside.
"It's strange but I remember just before I moved to Hoffenheim that I had a dream about playing in England," he told the official Liverpool FC magazine.
"At the time that wasn't an option, the opportunity wasn't there for me. Then it came along a few months ago and I quickly decided it was the right offer for me.
"As a footballer, I always want more. I really enjoyed my time in Germany but didn't actually win anything. So the next step was to join a club that can compete for trophies, that's why I came here.
"I want to fight for titles and play in the Champions League. So moving here really is a dream come true."
Firmino played for Brazil this summer at the Copa America in Chile and was given an extended break by Reds manager Brendan Rodgers in order to recover from his exertions.
As well as attempting to regain full match sharpness, the former Figueirense man admits to holding a number of pre-match routines which he hopes will bring him luck during his time at Liverpool.
"A lot of Brazilians are very superstitious, especially footballers," Firmino added.
"I'm the same. I always step on to the pitch with my right foot first.
"It's quite curious that back home - even if you are left-footed - it is considered lucky to enter the pitch with your right foot. I don't know why that is the case.
"I have other mandatory superstitions before a game too. I pray and listen to music on the way to the stadium. I also bless myself just before kick-off."
