Roberto Firmino Ready For Higher Level, ‘Fight For Titles’ With LFC

A keen sense of timing is one reason Roberto Firmino decided to join Liverpool.

Firmino told German magazine Kicker on Thursday he’s ready to leave Hoffenheim and compete for bigger prizes at a higher level, according to ESPN. The statement is the first Firmino publicly made after agreeing to join Liverpool this week.

“It is time to leave Hoffenheim for a bigger club to fight for titles, but for now I am concentrated on the Copa (America).”

Firmino, 23, signed with Liverpool on Wednesday after putting the finishing touches on a £29 million ($45.6 million) transfer from Hoffenheim.

Firmino established himself as hot property during his four-and-a-half-year tenure at Hoffenheim, scoring 47 goals in 151 games for the Bundesliga (German first division) club. Firmino also developed into an international-caliber player, earning a spot on Brazil’s national team. He currently is representing his country at the 2015 COMNEBOL Copa America.

Firmino will join Liverpool (subject to a physical exam and acquiring a work permit) in early July. He’ll find the Premier League offers a sterner test of his talent and durability than the German top flight. Liverpool also will compete in both domestic cup competitions and the UEFA Europa League, giving Firmino four trophy targets at which he can aim in his first campaign in English soccer.