'I left Liverpool and then rejected Real Madrid twice but I have no regrets'

Roberto Firmino has disclosed the reasons behind his decision to twice snub Real Madrid following his exit from Liverpool. The Reds icon brought the curtain down on his Anfield journey in the summer of 2023, leaving as a free agent after eight trophy-filled campaigns on Merseyside.

The Brazilian netted 111 goals and provided 72 assists across 362 outings during his Liverpool stint, helping propel the Reds to every major piece of silverware - including both the Premier League and Champions League - whilst forming a lethal attacking trio alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. However, after slipping down the hierarchy during his concluding seasons at the club, he chose to depart following unsuccessful contract negotiations with the Reds.

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

Yet following his exclusion from their Saudi Pro League roster for the campaign's latter half, he was seeking fresh pastures 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 rejected a switch to the Bernabeu 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 honour and pleasure to play for Real Madrid."