Liverpool fans have been divided in opinion by the club’s special offer for those in possession of a Roberto Firmino jersey with the wrong number on the back.
The Brazilian had previously worn the No.11 shirt but passed that over to new signing Mohamed Salah and will be the Reds’ No.9 when the season gets underway.
In response, Liverpool have since explained that supporters who had already purchased their Firmino shirts can send them back for the player himself to sign.
Many have reacted angrily having been hopeful of receiving a refund, while there have also been plenty of fans happy to receive what they deem as a valuable collector’s item.
The official club statement read: “As a gesture to those fans who have already purchased the official 2017-18 jersey with Firmino’s name and number 11 on the back, Roberto would like to offer supporters the opportunity to have them personally signed by him.”
“All official 2017-18 season shirts with ‘Firmino 11’ printed on them should be sent to Anfield by August 18, 2017 with a stamped self-addressed envelope big enough to contain your jersey.”
It’s easy to appreciate frustration given just how much money fans have spent, but there is also a case for the idea a signed shirt is something a young fan can cherish for a lifetime.
Here’s what Reds had to say on the matter…
you’ve either got a hand signed Firmino shirt = collectors item, or a rare 17/18 Firmino shirt with wrong no = collectors item
— もちすかにみ (@mdy3r) 23 June 2017
Fans hav been ripped off with Firmino’s shirt just like we were with the £10 voucher when buying online ? always fans £££££
— Janet (@KopJanet) 23 June 2017
RE the #LFC reaction to Firmino’s number change. As a kid i’d’ve been made up to get my shirt signed. Nice gesture from the club, I thought.
— Grobbelrevell (@markbrucerevell) 23 June 2017
A signed shirt is a nice gesture but ya kid cant wear it & will then bug the hell out of you to get a FIRMINO 9 shirt. No win situation.
— Ian (@ianlfc05) 23 June 2017
Good gesture from #Firmino I’d say. I would keep the shirt if I bought it and carry on with my life. #moreimportantthingstoworryabout
— Riaan Pretorius (@riaanpretorius) 24 June 2017
I got my kit on Monday with 11 Firmino. I now feel pretty disappointed at having a useless shirt…
— Svein Nordgård (@shno_yo) 23 June 2017
I’d rather have a signed Firmino 11 shirt than an unsigned Firmino 9 ?♂️
— Jack (@Jack_Stevens90) 23 June 2017
really think the club should swap anyone who has bought the new shirt with firmino no.11 on the back with firmino no.9 for free. #FansFirst
— The Scouse Beat (@ScouseBeat) 23 June 2017
Why would anyone complain about getting a signed Firmino shirt coz he changed numbers. He could’ve done nothing about it.
— Dan (@BobbyFirmino9) 23 June 2017
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