Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has dropped a major hint that he is keen to extend his stay at Anfield.
The Brazil international has now entered the final year of his contract with Jurgen Klopp's side, and there has been little talk surrounding a possible extension in recent weeks.
Firmino struggled to stay fit in the 2021-22 season and now has added competition in the form of Darwin Nunez, but he is still held in high regard by those at Anfield.
As things stand, the 30-year-old will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in the January transfer window ahead of a departure from Liverpool as a free agent in the summer.
However, when asked by Liverpool's media channels to pick a dream five-a-side team of former Reds players he has joined a dressing room with, Firmino seemingly confirmed that he wants to sign a new deal at the club.
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The former Hoffenheim man picked Mohamed Salah as one of his five-a-side team members, during which he outlined his desire to continue alongside the Egyptian in red for "years".
"At number five is Mohamed Salah. It is a great privilege to play alongside him, we have a strong bond both on and off the pitch," Firmino told Liverpool media.
"He is a great player, a great character. It is an honour to play with him and I hope we can keep on bringing the Liverpool fans joy for years to come."
Salah was also due to become a free agent in 2023 amid intense speculation surrounding his own future, but he penned a new contract until the summer of 2025 earlier this year.
Completing Firmino's five-a-side team were three of his Selecao compatriots in Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Philippe Coutinho, while Virgil van Dijk also earns a spot in his dream lineup.
"So the first one is Alisson Becker, he is a friend of mine. It is a pleasure to play with him, he is a great player, a great person and he's the first one on my list," Firmino added.
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"Second on my list is Virgil van Dijk. He's another great friend of mine, he's a great player and he's the hardest defender I've ever played against. He's another great friend of mine, he's a great player. I am a great admirer of his.
"Next is Fabinho. He is a great friend of mine. It is a pleasure to play with him, he is a top player. He deserves everything he has achieved and yes, he is on my list.
"It's getting difficult now. The last two... Philippe Coutinho, we had a great bond when we played together. It was a privilege to play alongside him. He is an amazing player and I admire him a lot. He is a real inspiration for me."
Firmino has registered three goals and three assists in eight matches for Liverpool across all tournaments this term, with all but one of those contributions coming in August's 9-0 Premier League thrashing of Bournemouth.
The attacker led the line from the off against Napoli in the Champions League, but he was dropped to the bench for the visit of Ajax to Anfield as Diogo Jota led the charge.
Liverpool will be play their first Premier League game since September 3 after the international break, as Brighton & Hove Albion make the trip to Anfield on October 1.
Ben Knapton
