Liverpool and Brazil winger Roberto Firmino has been charged with drunk driving after the footballer was arrested in Merseyside during the Christmas festivities, regional police said.

Although Firmino plays in a midfield role for his national squad, Liverpool plays him as a forward. The Reds signed him from Hoffenheim on a five-year deal for about $35.6 million in June 2015, reports Efe.

"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)," the police said in a statement on Monday.

"Firmino, from Liverpool, will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court on Tuesday, January 31 2017," the statement added.

The player took part in Liverpool's 1-0 away win at Everton on December 19.

His appearance in court at the end of January will take place on the same day in which Liverpool host league leaders Chelsea.