Liverpool forward Firmino arrested on drink driving charge

The Brazilian was pulled over by Merseyside Police after midnight on December 23, and Firmino has been subsequently charged with the driving offence.

"Merseyside Police has charged a 25-year-old man with drink driving after his car was stopped in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of Saturday, December 24 2016," a spokesperson from Merseyside Police said.

"Roberto Firmino, from Liverpool, will appear at Liverpool Ctiy Magistrates Court on January 31."

Firmino's court appearance is scheduled for the same day as Liverpool play Chelsea at Anfield.

Liverpool Football Club have declined to comment on the issue "until the legal process has run its course".

Firmino moved to Merseyside in 2015 in a £29m move from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim. He has scored 17 goals in 67 appearances since, adapting into a crucial role up-front in Jurgen Klopp's first-team this season.

The Brazilian has 13 caps and five goals for his country.