Roberto Firmino has spoken fondly of former club TSG Hoffenheim.

The Brazilian attacker spent four-and-a-half years with the German club after arriving from Figueirense in January 2011.

During his time with Hoffenheim, Firmino scored 47 goals in 151 appearances which convinced Liverpool to spend £29million, making him the Anfield club's second most expensive player in history.

Prior to the move to the England, however, Firmino made a name for himself with Hoffenheim and insists he will never forget the club for making him the player and person he is today.

"I was just 19 when I arrived at Hoffenheim," he told the club's official website.

"Everything was new to me: a foreign country, a different language – at the start it wasn't so easy, but I settled in quickly. The club and my teammates helped me enormously with that.

"With time, I understood more and more and eventually I was able to communicate and express myself really well. I've had four great years here – in terms of my football, I've learnt a lot of new things and I've had some fantastic life experiences too.

"My time and the people here in Kraichgau will always have a place in my heart."