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A Brazilian family have paid tribute to Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino after he donated £59,000 to fund vital treatment for their sick children.

Parents Alex Jose de Amorim and Gracieli Schlemmer, who are from Santa Catarina, have revealed how they were reduced to tears by a phone call from Firmino's wife Larissa.

She explained that the Reds frontman wanted to make up the shortfall of the £825,000 they needed to raise for brothers Joao, six, and 11-month-old Miguel, who suffer from spinal muscular atrophy, to go to America for a year-long treatment programme.

After reaching their target, Schlemmer wrote on social media: “On Friday we received a call that left us breathless.

“Larissa Pereira, wife of the player Roberto Firmino, came in contact and left my heart in peace.

“She said: 'Mother, we are donating the value that is missing, 286,000 real (£59,000). I cried so much because we have waited for this moment for a long time.”

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Globo.com in Brazil say that Firmino declined to speak publicly about the support he has provided the family.

However, Larissa told them: “We are moved by stories like this. We are also parents and imagine the pain that this family was going through.

“Roberto is a sensational person, had this noble attitude and helped save two children. The most beautiful thing is that he does it without wanting anything in return. It's from the heart. May it inspire and touch other people.

“There are many good people who think about their neighbours and can help in some way. It is a pity and unacceptable that our country does not provide these medicines, not pay for such treatments to save lives. Very sad.”