Roberto Firmino is now seen as one of the best Brazilians currently playing in the Premier League.

He is also a cult hero at Liverpool, given his impressive goals and performances.

But if things had gone a little bit differently, Firmino may never have played football at all.

"Marseille had asked us to let him spend a few weeks with them, and we agreed," said Erasmo Damiani – former director of Brazilian club Figueirense – to Bleacher Report.

"Back then, every Brazilian that traveled to Spain had to present a bunch of documents, including credit card, health insurance, proof of accommodation - there was this whole restriction policy.

"He wasn't going to stay in Madrid; it was just a stop, but they didn't let him continue his trip.

"Roberto called his mother in Maceio (a city in northeast Brazil) in tears.

"I had to phone Barajas Airport and tell a police officer he was a football player, but they didn't listen to me. They just decided to deport him back to Brazil."

Eventually, Firmino did find his way to Marseille, but he did not sign for the French club. Instead, his career went in another direction – and it eventually led him to Anfield.