“I’m happy because we made history at the club during these two years together,” Firmino said in a farewell video released by Al Ahli.

 

“The best moment was to become the champions of Asia. I’m very grateful for this. I was surprised to become the best player in the competition, I was very proud. It’s not easy to play in the Saudi league.

 

“Nice history, beautiful history during these two years and I will never forget (the fans), thanks so much for the support, for everything that they give for us.”

Firmino scored six times in 12 appearances in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 for Al Ahli, also registering seven assists. Two of those came in the final, when he set up the goals by Galeno and Franck Kessie that secured the title for the Jeddah-based outfit.

Victory in the AFC Champions League Elite saw Firmino become the first player to win continental club titles in both Asia and Europe – alongside Al Ahli teammates Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy – having won the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool in 2019.

Firmino will play for Al Sadd until 2027 and could face his old club in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 with both teams qualifying for the competition. The draw for the next edition will be held in Kuala Lumpur on August 15.