Firmino proud after adding Asian crown to European glory
The 33-year-old Brazilian, who played a key role in Jurgen Klopp’s 2019 UEFA Champions League-winning side, was named the tournament’s most valuable player after leading Al Ahli to a 2-0 win over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale.
Roberto Firmino said he felt proud to create more Champions League history after helping Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli win their first AFC Champions League title on 4 may, six years after lifting the European equivalent with Liverpool.
The 33-year-old Brazilian, who played a key role in Jurgen Klopp's 2019 UEFA Champions League-winning side, was named the tournament's most valuable player after leading Al Ahli to a 2-0 win over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in front of a raucous 58,000 crowd at Jeddah's King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
"I'm very happy and very proud of the team," said Firmino. "Happy to make history here and repay the support of the club, family and friends. I'm very grateful and I feel privileged to be given this talent and opportunity. I always do my best to help my teammates and my team."
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Firmino finished the campaign with six goals and was decisive again in the final. He set up fellow Brazilian Galeno to curl in a stunning opener in the 35th minute, before delivering a precise cross for Franck Kessie to double the lead just seven minutes later.
"This title win shows we have a monster mentality," he added. "We always believed we could be champions, and we have done it."
The victory marked a remarkable turnaround for Al Ahli, who were relegated from the Saudi Pro League only three years ago.
Head coach Matthias Jaissle praised both the team and the supporters, calling it a "crazy journey".
"I'm so proud of the players for how they performed and how far we've come in this competition," said the German coach. "Also the fans created an amazing atmosphere, which we never take for granted. Together we can achieve special things — and that was tonight."
Kawasaki Frontale boss Shigetoshi Hasebe admitted his side had been second best after an exhausting run to the final, which included wins over Al Sadd in extra time and a dramatic upset of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr.
"They deserved to be champions," said Hasebe. "They showed their strength, especially in the first half. We couldn't. The second goal was the key moment."
Frontale had conceded twice in each of their previous knockout matches, and Hasebe accepted their defensive fragility had finally caught up with them.
"Every single game we played here, we conceded two goals. That's the part we must improve on for the future."
