Roberto Firmino’s new role has been confirmed as the former Liverpool player makes a drastic career change

Former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has become pastor of an evangelical church he founded in Maceio, Brazil, with his wife Larissa Pereira.

According to Brazilian news publication Globo, it took place on Sunday, June 30. In a statement on social media, Firmino and Pereira said: “From our first encounter with Christ, a desire burned in our hearts. We want people to feel this love. that reached us now we have another desire and responsibility: to become pastors in the name of God”.

This is not the first time Firmino has shared a religious message on social media. He was baptized in 2020, shortly after his wife. The baptism took place in a swimming pool in Liverpool before he opened the Manah Church in Maceio the following year. “Jesus is love, there is no explanation. Just believe in Him, just believe and feel the Holy Spirit,” he said at the time of his baptism.

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Firmino left Liverpool last summer after eight years at the club. The 31-year-old scored 111 goals and added 75 assists in 362 appearances for the Reds, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, Carabao Cup and FA Cup among several other major trophies.

However, he left to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli 12 months ago. Since moving to the Middle East, Firmino has not been at the desired level, scoring just nine times and picking up seven assists in 34 games. Al-Ahli finished third last season behind Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.

Last November, Firmino spoke about his departure from Liverpool in his book detailing his long spell at Anfield, Si Senor: My Liverpool Years. He admitted a late substitute appearance in a 2-0 win over Wolves in March 2023 was the moment that “broke the camel’s back” before quickly informing Klopp of his decision.

“It wasn’t a war. It was just a difference in understanding of what I could offer Liverpool,” Firmino revealed in his book.

“I reflected a lot and realized that God’s plan was to take me somewhere else. The signs were all there from that conversation with Pastor Daniel in Maceio. I was stubborn.

“God didn’t want me to stay at Liverpool, but I insisted. I didn’t listen. But I couldn’t avoid it anymore. It was time to accept. I decided it was time to look for another challenge for myself. , another goal my time at Liverpool had reached the end.

“It was a beautiful story that I wanted to finish properly. We are very grateful for all that we have experienced in England; all our dreams, mine and my family’s, have come true. I have experienced the greatest joys and triumphs; it was all so intense and we didn’t want to leave with bitterness, anger or resentment.”