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Roberto Firmino planning to stay at Liverpool for 'many years'

Roberto Firmino says he "loves" life at Liverpool and plans to stay at the Merseyside outfit for "many years" to come.

Firmino, 25, is now well adjusted to the Premier League since his arrival in the summer of 2015 from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

The Brazil international finished his first season in England as Liverpool's top scorer and has continued to excel in the 2016-17 campaign -- establishing himself as an integral member of the team in a false nine position.

Despite his success, Firmino admits he had to adapt to his new surroundings, but insists he has relished the challenge.

"I think I have had to change the way I play. I was adapted to European football after playing in Germany for three years but English football is very different to the Bundesliga," Firmino told Liverpool's official magazine.

"You really notice that the Premier League is much, much faster -- the pace is very high and you do need to adjust, but this is a type of football that I enjoy.

"Being really honest, I love it here and plan to stay for many years in the future as the Premier League is really competitive and tests you all the time."

Firmino -- signed as an attacking midfielder -- has formed a prolific partnership this term with Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho in Liverpool's frontline that has helped the side make a push for the title.

The forward believes his versatility is down to him playing a number of positions -- including in defence -- during his formative years.

"When I was younger I played as a right-back. I also played as a central defender but I realised that I could dominate the ball quite calmly so I started playing further forward in front of the back four," he said.

"After a while I thought that I was quite offensive so when I was 17 or 18, I started playing as a more forward-thinking midfielder. That's how I eventually ended up playing in the areas like I am today.

"If it depended on me, I would play in every corner of the ground because that's the type of player I am. But obviously it alters depending on the needs of the team.

"At the moment, I am playing up front but I can play anywhere the manager asks me to. My preference is to be inside the area, near where the goals are scored -- that's my preference. But my main aim is to be helpful to the team in achieving what we need to achieve."