'He said he invented that celebration' - Firmino explains surprising Mane claim

Sadio Mane copying the goal celebrations of Roberto Firmino has become essential viewing for Liverpool supporters.

But now the Brazilian has revealed his Senegalese team-mate has jokingly claimed to actually invent the rituals.

Firmino has acquired a host of ways to mark scoring during his four-and-a-half years at Anfield.

Mane is regularly one of the first to congratulate the Liverpool forward, who has noted his team-mates's usual reaction.

"I always say to (Sadio) that he copies my celebrations, he copies everything that I do!" said Fiirmino.

"It's really funny, we talk about it a lot after games.

"He says he doesn't copy me that he creates them. It's cool and funny. He said he invented that celebration (the way down to one side) as I do it with one hand and he does it with two!

"He has grown in confidence on the pitch and I think it's to do with adapting. We've been playing together here for almost four years now."

Firmino, speaking to the official LFC matchday programme, added: "It's about training, getting better every day and doing well in games.

"I'm really happy for him with his African Player of the Year award and I'd like to congratulate him on it as well."