'I rejected Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool in 2023 — it just didn't feel right'

Roberto Firmino has revealed why he made the decision not to join Real Madrid following his departure from Liverpool, despite the Spanish giant being keen on his signature.

The Reds icon brought the curtain down on his Anfield journey in the summer of 2023, leaving at the expiry of his deal after eight silverware-filled campaigns on Merseyside.

The Brazilian netted 111 goals and provided 72 assists across 362 outings during his stint with Liverpool, helping propel the Reds to every major trophy — including both the Premier League and Champions League — as he established a lethal attacking trio alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

However, after slipping down the hierarchy during his concluding seasons at the club, Firmino chose to move elsewhere following his inability to reach an agreement on fresh terms with the Reds.

The 34-year-old relocated to Saudi Arabia without a fee as he joined Al-Ahli, helping the side to an AFC Champions League triumph last season.

Yet after being omitted from their Saudi Pro League squad for the campaign's latter half, he was seeking pastures new once more last summer as he penned terms with Qatari outfit Al Sadd.

Firmino has now disclosed that he attracted attention from Real Madrid in both the summers of 2023 and 2025. Nevertheless, he ultimately chose against a switch to the Bernabéu on both occasions as he wasn't their primary target.

"There was, of course (interest from Real Madrid)," he told TNT Sports Brasil. "To be honest, there was interest.

"My agency told me about it. And yes, it was recent, again, recently, but not like before, you know, when there was that offer to go to Arabia.

"Back then there was real interest from Madrid. But there were a lot of factors.

"I wasn't the first or even the second option, so I would have had to wait quite a bit. Not that I'm impatient, but I had to wait, you know?

"Then the offer from Al Ahli came, and I had to pray and think if that was really the right thing.

"So, that's how it happened — I went to Arabia, and I believe the purpose was fulfilled there. I think that's what was meant to happen.

"Of course Real Madrid is a massive club. It would have been a great honor and pleasure to play for Real Madrid."

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.