When former Liverpool forward, Roberto Firmino signed for Al-Ahli, things looked up for the Saudi League team. Firmino lit up the atmosphere with a hat-trick to announce his arrival and was even named captain. However, it soon went downhill. However, despite his struggle in the cash-rich league, the fans will always remember him for his contribution to the Reds under Jurgen Klopp. Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has also pointed out how the Brazilian would have been a tough opponent for him.

The statement by the Red Devils legend certainly shows the importance of a forward like the 32-year-old. Let’s take a deep dive into the reason the former defender made such a huge claim.

Roberto Firmino included in the list of elites by the Manchester United legend

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was one of the key reasons for Sir Alex Ferguson’s success with the red devils. Regarded as one of their best center backs, the former player was a real hinderance to his opposition. His center-back partnership with Nemanja Vidić is still fondly remembered by the fans. But, the 45-year-old has revealed that the former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino would have trouble had he been playing today. He said, “Firmino would have been a problem for me. The way he drops in because that’s the player who is asking me would you like to come with me into midfield and leave a big hole or are you going to stay there and let me go and get the ball and turn and be free.”

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Rio Ferdinand also pointed out that during his time, he had a hard time playing against the likes of Raul, Gianfranco Zola, and Dennis Bergkamp. Hence, to see the name of the Brazilian is surprising. It is because the former United defender made a harsh statement about him earlier. When Sadio Mane was sold to Bayern Munich, the United legend was not happy. He even made the point that Liverpool should have sold Firmino before selling the Senegalese forward.

In the end, the Brazilian ended up leaving the Premier League giants on a free transfer to the Saudi League. However, it is safe to say that a move to the cash-rich league has not worked out for him.

In recent days, many European stars in the Saudi League could follow Jordan Henderson’s footsteps towards the exit door. Henderson, Firmino’s former Liverpool teammate, left for Ajax. Karim Benzema is rumoured to be eyeing an exit, though reports suggest Al-Ittihad have no plans of letting him go. Similarly, several fans would expect Roberto Firmino to follow the same route, considering his poor form. However, the Brazilian has made a different choice. Amid all the links, the 32-year-old has committed he wants to fight for his place at Al-Ahli.

Premier League Club Offered a Chance To Sign Roberto Firmino From Al Ahli, And It’s Not Liverpool

His representatives have also ruled out all exit rumors as fake. Hence, it will be interesting to see whether the Saudi giants who are in third place trust his ability or pull the trigger.

Despite his commitment, Roberto Firmino continues to attract interest from European leagues. Will the Brazilian forward stay or leave Al-Ahli? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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