Berlin, July 7 (IANS): Brazilian forward Firmino said farewell to the Bundesliga, moving to English side Liverpool from Hoffenheim two years before his contract expires.

Firmino has left his club for 41 million euros (around $45 million) according to official figures, marking the most expensive transfer in the history of the Bundesliga, reports Efe.

Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen said in a statement on Monday that it became clear at some point that the club would not keep Firmino, given his quality and development over the last 24 months.

The club acknowledged that Firmino's departure is a great loss, but understood that transfers allow the club to generate revenue, secure its future and invest in the greater team.

Firmino expressed his desire to face new challenges with Liverpool, but stated that saying goodbye would not be easy.

The Brazilian earned 140 Bundesliga caps, in which he scored 38 goals, while he debuted for Brazil for the first time last November.