Liverpool’s James Milner Calls $82M Teammate ‘Unluckiest Man Alive’ After Leicester Win

James Milner termed Liverpool FC teammate Roberto Firmino as the “unluckiest man alive” before adding the Brazilian forward deserved the goal in Reds’ 3-0 win over Leicester Sunday.

Firmino, who is one of the most complete No. 9s, has been struggling in front of the goal since the last campaign, where he managed only 12 goals in 52 competitive appearances. Before the Leicester game, the 29-year-old playmaker had netted only one goal in 12 matches. Even Sunday, Firmino repeatedly failed to score during the second half at Anfield, hitting the post twice and seeing a shot cleared off the line before he headed into the far corner with ease.

"Bobby is the unluckiest man alive for the first 80 minutes. He deserved his goal. He was outstanding. First half very good, the second half not as good. There were a lot of miles in the boys' legs with internationals. We kept the ball pretty well and took the sting out of it. It's hard to get that rhythm with all the international breaks but it’s a long wait until the next one. It’s impressive we’ve kept it [their unbeaten home run] going without the fans. Hopefully, we can keep it going until they can come back," Milner told Sky Sports in a post-match interview.

The 34-year-old made a rare start for Liverpool Sunday and speaking about it, Milner added, "I want to start as many games as I can - I know that won’t be every game these days."

It was earlier reported that Liverpool Jurgen Klopp is planning to bring Erling Haaland from Dortmund to Liverpool as a long-term replacement for Firmino, who is currently contracted with the Reds until 2023 and has a release clause of around $82 million.

Liverpool went 1-0 up at Anfield, courtesy of Leicester's Jonny Evans’ 21-minute own goal. Diogo Jota then scored a goal for Liverpool before Firmino netted the hosts' third goal of the game. With the goal against Leicester, the young Portuguese forward became the first-ever player for Liverpool to score in his first four top-flight home matches.

"Playing in this team, world champions means a lot, I just wish we can keep winning matches and I can be important as well, of course. We did a great job, offensively, creating chances, as well as defensively. In the end, it was a great match. Every squad feels the same, everyone can be important, we need everyone physically and mentally ready to help us. It is three points, but they were there near the top, on Wednesday we go again, " Jota told Match of the Day.