Playing in defence, Ronaldinho mix-up and 'angry' Firmino – five more stories from 'Bobby'

The documentary charts Roberto Firmino’s remarkable rise from aspiring footballer in Maceio to legendary status at Anfield and a proud Brazil international.

Episodes one and two, which are both out on demand on LFCTV GO, track Firmino’s development in his home country and ascendancy following a switch to Hoffenheim in 2011, taking the story up to his earliest days with the Reds ahead of part three.

• The first two episodes of Bobby are available to watch on LFCTV GO now – subscribe and get one month FREE using the code GOFREE23.

• Alternatively, watch via YouTube Membership (Anfield Tier) – go here and click ‘Join’ for more information. Episode two of Bobby will also be available to watch on LFCTV from 5.30pm BST on Monday June 19.

Here are five stories we enjoyed from the opening hour of the film…

Firmino wasn’t always a forward…

Positionally, far from it, in fact.

In his earliest days with Clube de Regatas Brasil, the future attacking superstar was deployed as “a defensive midfielder, playing as a No.5,” Firmino explains. “I even played as a defender once.”

But from a deeper role within the team, he still frequently showed the confident ability and mastery of the ball that would make him a Liverpool hero and Brazil international years later.

And there were plenty of nutmegs, too, the man himself confirms with a grin.

“He didn’t score much back then,” recalls Guilherme Farias, the youth coach during Firmino’s time at CRB. “But he was often a part of moves that led to goals.

“He made incredible moves, he was talented in every match. His dribbles were great, he had speed, and he made great shots. He had everything.”

Sounds familiar, right?

Watch episode two: Far From Home

“No, mum, Ronaldinho…”

It’s easy to forgive Firmino’s mother, Mariana, this mistake.

When a 10-year-old Roberto was transfixed by Brazil’s charge to World Cup glory in 2002, it was the incomparable ingenuity of Ronaldinho that was most capturing his attention.

“I looked up to him a lot,” he notes. “I was inspired by the way he played, his quality, his charisma. He always had a big smile on his face.”

But with compatriot Ronaldo also a leading figure in that Selecao group of champions, you can understand how a mix-up ensued when seeking to add his hero’s name to the back of Firmino’s boyhood jersey.

“I bought the wrong shirt,” says his mum. “I bought a Ronaldo ‘Fenomeno’ shirt. Then he said, ‘No, mum, I don’t want that one. I don’t want Ronaldo’s shirt, I want [Ronaldinho] Gaucho’s.’”

It might have been Marseille instead of Hoffenheim…

After switching from CRB to Figueirense, Firmino starred as the latter gained promotion from Brazil’s second tier to the top flight.

His performances were now attracting the eyes of European clubs and in 2009 Marseille were among the first to try to lure the 17-year-old from South America.

But fate twice stepped in the way.

First, Firmino was stopped by immigration authorities in Spain before he could catch a connecting flight to France and deported back to his home country.

On the second attempt, a direct flight got the young man to his Marseille trial – which he passed, naturally. But terms for a transfer could not be agreed with Figueirense.

“It was a valuable learning experience that still resonates with me today,” he notes.

Bobby can get angry…

Firmino’s gleaming smile goes hand in hand with his footballing skill.

But the No.9 reveals there were uncharacteristically gloomy moments following his eventual switch to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga in January 2011.

“The first year was difficult because I didn’t play for the first months,” says Firmino. “I wasn’t even listed as a substitute on the bench. All I did was train.

“I used to ask myself why that was happening. I talked to my agent, I was angry about not being picked. It’s tough for us Brazilians when we’re not on the field.”

All would turn out well, of course, with Firmino breaking into the XI and going on to score 47 goals in 151 appearances during a dazzling four-and-a-half years with the club.

He and his wife Larissa also welcomed the first of their four daughters into the world while based in the south west of Germany.

“We have a lot of love for that place,” she explains. “For me it was the beginning of our relationship and lives in Europe. For him it was the beginning of his football career in Europe.”

October 23, 2014 – a landmark day for the Firmino family

Almost nine years on, Firmino remembers the feelings vividly.

October 23, 2014. His father’s birthday. And the day he received his first call-up for the senior Brazil team.

Not a bad one, hey?

“I was very happy, I got emotional,” Roberto describes. “It was a remarkable day in my life. The Brazilian national team, representing your country… it makes me proud. I’m so thankful to God for that.”

Watch episode one: The Boy From Maceio