TSG 1899 Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino believes playing in the Bundesliga has helped him develop

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino believes his development into a prominent player is a result of him plying his trade in the Bundesliga. The 23 year-old, who was signed from Figueirense in January 2011 for a reported fee of €4 million, has grown into a standout performer for both Hoffenheim and now the Brazil […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-04-06 19:46:00

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino believes his development into a prominent player is a result of him plying his trade in the Bundesliga.

The 23 year-old, who was signed from Figueirense in January 2011 for a reported fee of €4 million, has grown into a standout performer for both Hoffenheim and now the Brazil national team.

This season, Firmino has so far scored eight goals in 29 appearances in all competitions, while he also netted in the Seleção friendlies against Austria and Chile.

Speaking to FIFA’s official website, the Brazilian noted that the four years he has spent in Germany have helped him become the player he is today and he also pointed to his desire to improve as a driving force behind his impovement.

“When I arrived at Hoffenheim I could already play football, but I’ve developed physically, technically and tactically since then,” he said.

The Bundesliga is one of the world’s best leagues. I had to adapt and improve to get by here, and although I’ve now reached a good level, there’s still more left to do. My own dissatisfaction is my biggest motivation.”

Firmino’s overall record with Hoffenheim is 46 goals in 145 matches and such an impressive return has not gone unnoticed.

The Maceió native has been strongly linked with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United in recent weeks and though he is contracted to Hoffenheim until June 2017, the Bundesliga outfit will seemingly face a struggle to keep him in the summer transfer window.

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