Firmino keeps Liverpool hopes alive and breaks down in tears on dramatic Anfield farewell

Roberto Firmino came off the bench to salvage a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa in his final Anfield appearance for Liverpool.

The Brazilian forward was making his last-ever appearance on home turf as a Reds’ player before he leaves the club this summer.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and with the decision being made not to extend his deal, the striker will move on after eight years at the club, along with James Milner, who was also making his last home appearance for Liverpool.

With the Reds 1-0 down to Aston Villa and on the cusp of missing out on the top four, talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham described his introduction as ‘puzzling’, saying: “With Firmino and Milner set to come on, is their an element of treating this a bit like a testimonial?

“They’re 1-0 down and Champions League football is slipping away. I’m a little bit puzzled by it.”

However the Brazilian silenced that criticism by bagging his 110th goal for the Reds after latching onto the end of Mohamed Salah’s cross.

As well as enjoying the celebrations himself, Liverpool’s fans belted out his song, ‘Si Senior’, as part of a carnival atmosphere on Merseyside.

The Reds pushed forward for a winner but couldn’t manage one, meaning that their top four hopes are hanging by a thread.

However after seeing their Brazilian star find the net once again, fans will be happy to have paid tribute to a modern-day Liverpool favourite.

Firmino broke down in tears as the Anfield faithful serenaded their hero at the full-time whistle.

But the disappointment over the result soon faded as attention turned to Liverpool’s departing stars.

Firmino, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all received guards of honour from their teammates and were presented with commemorative plaques of their achievements with the Merseyside club.

But the main focus was on Firmino, who was seen in tears again as he soaked in the atmosphere as supporters serenaded him with his song one last time.

The rest of the Liverpool team were seen having a kickaround with their kids on the pitch and enjoying some time with their families.

Firmino, meanwhile, made time for the supporters who stayed behind at Anfield to support the team.

He walked to the stands to sign shirts, pose for pictures and shake many outstretched hands.

The Brazilian, as well as Milner, could yet make one last appearance in a Reds shirt in their season finale at Southampton.

But it appeared the perfect way to sign off as Firmino prepares to leave as one of Liverpool most-loved figures in their modern history.