ROBERTO FIRMINO

I have suffered racial prejudice, and I know how painful it is. People need to take this issue more seriously and engage in this fight against racism.

I knew Jurgen Klopp from my time in Germany.

Leaving home early is always complicated. But when I arrived in Germany, I encountered an incredible structure built by the company that takes care of my career. They did not leave me wanting for anything. The most complicated thing was really the language. Otherwise, everything was taken care of.

Liverpool are one of the greats in Europe, and being able to be part of the history of such a great club is gratifying to me.

Everybody knows that Coutinho is a great footballer - here in England, they call him 'The Magician.' He made his decision to join Barcelona, but every time we meet and play for the Selecao, we have a good chat and maintain that friendship. He is an exceptional guy and one of the best friends football has given me.

My parents gave up things for me when I was growing up.

I used to finish school and go and play football.

When people ask what my ambitions are for the rest of my career, I always say that I live in the present.

I look up to many great players - principally attackers. The two Ronaldos, Romario and Rivaldo all play well.

A lot of Brazilians are very superstitious, especially footballers. I'm the same. I always step on to the pitch with my right foot first.

I love Liverpool - it's a great city to live in.

I started out at youth level as a holding midfielder.

I always modeled myself on Ronaldinho. He was one of my favourites who I followed a lot - his magic made us want to imitate him and his football. Is my goal celebration a tribute to him? Yes, of course. I like him a lot.

Whenever there is a new song out, we'll sometimes try to rehearse a celebration so when one of us scores a goal, we can celebrate it together. I find this a nice thing between team-mates to show the friendship between us, and I try to do this whenever I can.

My family mean a lot to me, but I guess that's like it is with every other player.

I was adapted to European football after playing in Germany for three years, but English football is very different to the Bundesliga.

It's hard to be as good as Ronaldinho and Ronaldo were, but we're going to do our best, both myself and Philippe Coutinho, to get close to them and be the best players we can be for the Brazilian national team.

I think the Brazil system is similar to the one we use at Liverpool, with lots of movement, players open out wide, and quality midfielders who join the attack and score goals.

Pep Guardiola had some great clashes with Klopp in German football. They know each other well.

To score my first Selecao goal is a unique emotion.

Professor Tite has played a big role in the Selecao's ascent. He's a brilliant coach, with a unique way of working, but he's also a marvellous person. He makes everyone feel at ease.

I have always worked very hard in my career. Always working towards a good moment. And when you plan, the rewards appear.

You play in different situations and conditions, and you have to come up with new solutions for the problems. It has made me a more rounded player, who can handle different tactics and positions.

Which team in the world would not like to have a player of the quality of Coutinho?

I am very happy here at Liverpool. It's a very good club at a very high level - a big club.