The father of Liverpool hero and former Brazil international Roberto Firmino has collapsed and died on a family trip to the Middle East during the international break. He was 62 years of age.
Jose Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira died after falling ill, days after laughing and smiling with his family at an amusement park. Firmino’s close friends have confirmed the news following reports in their home country of Brazil.
The tragic passing was reported by Brazilian outlet UOL, who said that that Jose Roberto suffered a heart attack after travelling to the United Arab Emirates with his loved ones with efforts now being made to get his body home.
In a touching message posted about his father during his time at Liverpool, Firmino said in 2019: “You are my childhood hero, you are my inspiration and my role model.
“All I am, I owe to you your generosity, your dedication to your family, the seriousness and honesty with which you have built your career.
“Your sincere and simple way of living teach me the true values of life.”
He added in his book of his time at Anfield:
“My father, Jose, was my childhood hero, an inspiration and an example. A generous, serious, honest man and dedicated to his family.”
Firmino left Liverpool to join Al-Ahli following eight seasons in the England in which he scored a total of 111 goals for the iconic club.
The former Hoffenheim forward won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup. He also picked up numerous medals in a glittering era under Jurgen Klopp.
His best goalscoring season at the club came in 2017/18, when he managed 27 goals in all competitions as Liverpool reached the final of the Champions League.
The 32-year-old has since scored three goals across 12 Saudi Pro League appearances while playing alongside Edouard Mendy and Allan Saint-Maximin.
Firmino shares four daughters with wife Larissa Pereira, whom he married in his hometown back in 2017.
