Al-Ahli told to strip Liverpool icon Roberto Firmino of the captaincy and give it to former Chelsea star

Former Egypt international Mido has called for Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino to be stripped of the Al-Ahli captaincy and replaced by ex-Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi.

Firmino joined the Saudi Arabian club on a free transfer in the summer after nine trophy-laden years at Anfield, where he made 348 appearances in all competitions.

The Brazil international was handed the captain's armband upon his arrival in the Middle East, but Mido believes the honour should be given to Obi due to his experience and leadership qualities.

“Al-Ahli have to give the captaincy to Mikel John Obi because he is the one who deserves it,” Mido said on a TV show.

“He is a leader and has a great personality. He is also a good player and has a lot of experience.”

Obi, 35, spent two seasons at Chelsea after joining the club from Lyn in 2006.

The Nigeria international made 223 appearances for the Blues, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League.

He left Chelsea in 2019 and has since played for Trabzonspor, Stoke City and Al-Kuwait.

Obi joined Al-Ahli in the summer and has made a positive impact on the team, helping them to win the Saudi Super Cup.

Firmino, meanwhile, has struggled to make an impact in Saudi Arabia, scoring just one goal in nine appearances.

The 31-year-old has been criticized for his lack of form and fitness, and Mido believes it is time for Al-Ahli to make a change.

“I think it's time for Al-Ahli to give the captaincy to someone else,” Mido said.

“Firmino is a good player, but he is not a leader. He is not the right person to be the captain of Al-Ahli.”

It remains to be seen whether Al-Ahli will take Mido's advice, but it is clear that Firmino's position as captain is under threat.

The Brazilian will need to improve his form and fitness if he wants to keep the armband, but Obi is a strong candidate to replace him.