THE DAD of ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has died aged 62 after suffering a heart attack on a family trip to Dubai.
José Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira’s death has been confirmed by close friends and Firmino’s press manager.
InstagramRoberto Firmino (right) with his late father[/caption]
InstagramFirmino described his dad as his hero[/caption]
Firmino’s family is still trying to contact the Brazilian embassy in the UAE to bring his father’s body back to their home city of Maceió.
One friend told local media: “He was a very good guy. He had a very good soul and was very funny. This was very unexpected.”
In his autobiography, Al-Ahli star Firmino writes: “Not all heroes wear capes; some are called Dad.
“My father, José, was my childhood hero, an inspiration and an example.
“A generous, serious, honest man dedicated to the family.”
Firmino’s boyhood club CRB said: “The Clube de Regatas Brasil deeply regrets the death of José Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira, father of Roberto Firmino, who left us this weekend.
“He’s always been a big Galo de Campina fan and was very proud of his son being unveiled in football with the whirlpool shirt.
“Rest in peace, José Roberto.”
The family had shared snaps of their trip in Dubai before Oliveira’s death – including one of him enjoying a trip to an amusement park.
Firmino left Liverpool last summer after spending eight years at Anfield.
He joined the Reds from Hoffenheim in 2015 and was part of the squad which one the Champions League in 2019 and the Prem in 2020.
More to follow.