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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he was surprised by Roberto Firmino's decision to leave the club.
Firmino, 31, has informed Klopp last week that he wanted to end his eight-year spell at Anfield when his contract expires in June.
The Brazil international has fallen down the pecking order this season following the signings of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, with his first-team opportunities likely to be restricted even further once Luis Diaz returns to full fitness.
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Firmino was given a huge ovation by Liverpool supporters when he was brought on against Manchester United on Sunday, with the Brazilian scoring the final goal in a historic 7-0 win for the Merseyside club.
He took to Instagram after the match to express his thanks to the fans.
"What a special day today," he wrote. "I'm so grateful to God to giving me this moment!
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"What a joy to feel the affection and love of my teammates and of all the fãs (fans)... YNWA."
Klopp surprised by Firmino
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth, Klopp admitted he was stunned by Firmino's decision.
"Surprised, yes. A little bit," said Klopp.
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"But I respect that a lot. It's completely normal in this kind of long relationship what we have and what Bobby has with the club, the fans - it's pretty special.
"I loved the reception he got when he came on against United. He said: 'Now I want to bring this wonderful story to a positive end.'
"He's completely here and completely committed and that's all we need to know. There's no time for a goodbye in this moment - we have another time for that later in the season."
Firmino has scored 108 goals in 354 games for Liverpool since joining from Hoffenheim in 2015, in a deal worth around £29m.
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Alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, Firmino helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
He is now set to leave the club on a free transfer this summer, with several top sides reportedly interested in signing the veteran forward.
Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray, Inter Milan and AC Milan have been linked with the striker, as have Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi side Al Nassr as well as teams in the MLS.
Topics: Liverpool, Football, Premier League, Jurgen Klopp, Roberto Firmino, Transfers
Rory O'Callaghan