Fabinho, the former Liverpool footballer who recently joined Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a £40 million transfer, is making headlines for an unexpected reason.
During a recent match, Fabinho attempted a tackle that has since gone viral for its lack of effectiveness.
During his impressive five-year stint at Liverpool, Fabinho made 219 appearances and played a pivotal role in the team’s success, helping them secure titles such as the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
However, the lure of Saudi Arabia’s lucrative offer made it difficult for Liverpool to retain him.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, acknowledged the challenging situation, especially as Fabinho and his teammate Jordan Henderson also moved to Saudi Pro League clubs this summer.
Klopp stated that once he understood the terms of the offers, he realized there was little the club could do to prevent their departures.
“It was a special situation for us. Bobby’s [Firmino] contract has expired. Of course, he can go and do whatever he wants. He just made his choice and that’s perfectly fine.
When Hendo and Fabinho then sat in my office and talked to me about it, I knew when I found out more about the conditions that we have practically no chance of taking action against it.”
Klopp told Sport1
Al-Ittihad this season
Fabinho’s new team, Al-Ittihad, has been making significant moves in the transfer market, attracting players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
They are currently leading the Saudi Pro League with five wins in their first six games of the season.
Despite Al-Ittihad’s recent 1-0 victory over Al-Akhdoud, Fabinho’s performance in a particular tackle has become a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons.
Instead of executing a decisive challenge, Fabinho was nutmegged by Leandre Tawamba, the opposing forward, during the match. This incident has raised eyebrows among football fans.
Al-Ittihad had emphasized in July that Fabinho’s signing was part of their strategy to bolster the team with exceptional players to compete in various domestic and international competitions in the upcoming phase.
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.
