The father of former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has passed away at the age of 62 after suffering a heart attack.

Jose Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira fell ill during a family trip to Dubai, with his Brazil international son currently plying his club trade in the Middle East for Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli. Photos from that vacation had been shared earlier in the week by family members, with a visit to an amusement park being taken in.

Firmino has always been close with his parents, having seen them aid his efforts to become a professional sports star, and wrote in his book ‘Si Senor – My Liverpool Years’: "Not all heroes wear capes; some are called father. My father, Jose, was my childhood hero, an inspiration and an example. A generous, serious, honest man and dedicated to his family.”

Firmino’s boyhood club, Maceio-based CRB, have said when paying their tributes: “The Clube de Regatas Brasil deeply regrets the death of Jose Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira, father of Roberto Firmino, who left us this weekend. He's always been a big Galo de Campina fan and was very proud of his son being unveiled in football with the whirlpool shirt. Rest in peace, Jose Roberto.”