Football
ESPN staff 9y

Roberto Firmino backed to shine at Liverpool by Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho is hopeful the signing of Roberto Firmino can inspire Liverpool to silverware next season.

This week, Liverpool announced the signing of Hoffenheim's Firmino, subject to the forward completing a medical, for a reported fee of £29 million.

And Coutinho is confident his Brazil compatriot will impress at Anfield as they look to bounce back from last season's disappointing sixth-placed finish.

The midfielder told the club's official website: "I think it is great news. Firmino is a great player and obviously I know him from the Brazilian national team. He is a great character and person.

"He is strong physically, he is fast, agile, very skilful on the ball and he scores a lot of goals -- he is a great forward. I am sure he will be of great help to us next season.

"After hearing the news, I said to him 'welcome to Liverpool' and I have told him that he will be coming into a club that is like a family -- I made sure to tell him that.

"I have also wished him a great and very successful first season at Liverpool."

He added: "I'm very much looking forward to playing and starting the new season alongside Firmino at Liverpool. I am looking forward to not only playing for Liverpool again, but trying to help us get into a position to win trophies.

"As I said, I am very happy he has signed for Liverpool -- but not only him, all of the other signings we've made recently as well. I'm sure all of these new players are coming in to make our team even stronger for the new season.

"I can't wait to start the Premier League season. I am very hopeful things will go well for us on the pitch this season."

Liverpool have already recruited Danny Ings, Manchester City midfielder James Milner, Charlton defender Joe Gomez and Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan as well as giving a new long-term contract to Wales under-21 goalkeeper Danny Ward.

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