As Roberto Firmino’s Anfield departure has edged closer, the Kop chant that has become a soundtrack to the Jurgen Klopp era has predictably increased in volume.
Turns out the serenading has not been confined to the Premier League stadiums visited on the Brazilian's farewell tour.
“Two days ago I sang it in the car with my family,” Firmino says, beaming as he has seemed to for the last eight years.
“My children asked if I could put the ('Si Senor, give the ball to Bobby') song on so we could sing together. I don’t remember the first time I heard it but when I knew the fans had created a song for me I was very happy because it’s symbolic. It means they love me. Whenever I heard my song it always gave me the courage and the motivation to work harder, to do more for the team and to do my best.”
Despite the best efforts of Klopp to ensure there is equal appreciation for the other end-of-term leavers on Saturday - James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita - the Kop will be at its most vocal in granting Firmino his guard of honour.
Of all the affectionate goodbyes as Klopp’s first great era evolves into what he anticipates will be the next, none will sting more than the South American's exit.
“I will cry 100 per cent. It will be emotional for me and for my family,” says Firmino, who joked he would have taken his place in the squad whether or not the doctors had declared him fit following his hamstring injury.
“If the boss doesn’t put me in the squad I will go [in it],” he laughs.
Firmino’s selfless running, allied to his relentless pressing and counter-pressing and productive interplay made him the physical representation of Klopp's way.
Ironically, Firmino was signed by Klopp’s predecessor, but as he contemplates his Anfield career has no doubt how and why his fortunes changed.
“In the first week I was here even I didn't know where I would be playing,” he recalls. “I said, ‘I can play everywhere’. But me and Brendan Rodgers didn't understand each other about my position on the pitch.
“Then, when the current manager arrived, we created a position, the false nine. Before, the whole time in my career I was a number 10. And then I came here and became a nine, a striker. I tried my best, and thank God it was very good. After that I just enjoyed the position.
"I say the manager and I created it together, but he'd say it was me!”
Not untypically for a world-renowned footballer, Firmino has always been something of a contradiction, his flamboyance, bravery and confidence on-field contrasting his wish to shun the limelight off it.
Before Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League victory, the notoriously shy Brazilian - still lacking faith in his English despite it being perfectly good - promised reporters an interview should Klopp’s side win. After the 2-0 victory over Tottenham, he strode purposely into the interview era, awaited the gathering of reporters, smiled and announced, ‘I am very very happy we have won,’ before making his exit. Promise kept. Those denied an in-depth review of the final were charmed, not upset.
Thankfully more talkative on this occasion, Firmino explained why he relished his status as the support act to Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
“Sometimes I enjoy the assists more than actually scoring a goal myself,” he said. “It's important for me. To play alongside these two guys - such top players - it was an honour and a pleasure. I was always happy when I gave them the ball and helped them score. It worked between us because of training every day alongside each other. We knew each other and in the game it would work. I enjoyed the results we earned together.”
Does the description ‘Liverpool legend’ sit comfortably? “I’m ok with that! What should I say?” he grins. “It was the journey we made together. We made history as a club and we are leaving a great legacy.
"Unfortunately, the cycle here has ended and I understand it is time to go. I am very proud of everything that I have done here with the team, what we achieved together and the beautiful history we made. Maybe one day I could come back. You never say never. I don’t know what is going to happen with my future.”
As a coach, perhaps? “Maybe. It might be to play, you never know,” he says, sounding like a reluctant leaver.
While the footballer will be gone, it is no exaggeration that the song in his honour will be as much a fixture on a matchday as those for the greats who left the deepest impression like Steven Gerrard, Ian Rush and Sir Kenny Dalglish.
“I’m very happy to hear so many fans would choose me as their favourite player. It is a privilege,” says Firmino. “That makes me happy.
"It is an honour. I worked very hard to be where I am now and this is the result of my hard work. I always try to do my best to smile and be happy in everything I do, in all the circ*mstances I pass through. I hope the fans remember me for generosity and heart.”
