Barcelona new boy Philippe Coutinho has claimed that he left Liverpool for the Catalan giants because it was his dream move. The Brazilian signed for Barcelona after completing a long-awaited switch away from Jürgen Klopp’s side in a deal worth around £142m. He was presented as a Barca player in a lavish ceremony on Monday.
The playmaker signed a five-and-half-year deal and has a buyout clause of 400m euros (£355m). While Liverpool supporters fully understand his desire to swap Merseyside for Catalonia, it’s the timing and the manner which has angered many.
Leaving halfway through the season has left Jurgen Klopp’s side in a dilemma as they look to fight for a top-four finish in the Premier League and go far in both the Champions League and the FA Cup.
However, Coutinho has done his very best to keep his relationship with the Reds amicable, penning a heartfelt message to the Liverpool fans, reflecting on his time at the club, explaining his decision to leave and thanking the Anfield faithful for their support through his official Instagram account.
On Monday night, the midfielder took to Instagram to officially say goodbye to the Kopites. The reaction back home to the Brazilian’s exit has been mixed, with some supporters critical of the way the transfer eventually played out.
While many Liverpool supporters vented their anger on social media, many were left teary-eyed after reading the emotional goodbye message from Coutinho.
Let us get across some of the best reactions from the fans on Twitter.
I agree with him. Fair play Phil.
— LFC (@CotteeTom) January 9, 2018
All the best mate thanks for all the memories I have never loved a player so much enjoy Barca but YNWA UP THE REDS
— Danny O’Brien (@DannyOB_5) January 8, 2018
That is such a nice message from Phil. Very well put by him. I’m sad he has left, but I wish him the best of luck. He’ll be sadly missed.
— Mark Swain (@I_Am_A_Twit_) January 8, 2018
Honestly, I am not moved. If someone reali loves a club, he won’t abandon it in the mid of the season.
— RedFaichoi@hk (@faichoi) January 9, 2018
That’s all very nice, but he’s still left half way through the season when there’s still so much to play for. Very selfish and no consideration for the team that has made him #YNWA
— Mark Haigh (@MarkhHaigh) January 9, 2018
Disappointed in the way it ended as it could have been done better, but thanks for the memories…
— Simon (@___Si___) January 9, 2018
Class act similarly to Suarez, us Liverpool fans should consider ourselves lucky enough to have been able to watch him on a weekly basis ⚽️ #YNWA #Magician
— Liam Vizor (@LiamVizor) January 8, 2018
I don’t get people who support a club and don’t think they are the biggest and best in the world, coutinho is a snake end of
— RuleBrittania (@scoooobs82) January 9, 2018
Wonder who wrote that for him pic.twitter.com/DJEPHdE6tl
— Young Simba (@RealJazDhesi) January 8, 2018
— Life’s Good (@Lifes_Good_2017) January 9, 2018
— Marc Hale (@MarcAnthonyHale) January 9, 2018
We love you Coutinho.. incredible player !
— ManojIniyaraj (@manojiniyaraj) January 9, 2018
Pretty sad day. Was an honor and privilege watching you play week in and week out @Phil_Coutinho . Truly world class talent. All the best in the future. You’ll never walk alone. #LFC
— James Young (@JamesYoung19_) January 9, 2018
because he didn’t write it, someone wrote it for him
— EnterTheLiverbird (@harislfc8) January 9, 2018
He payed someone to write that
— DIF (@seback01) January 8, 2018
We all have dreams. Live yours. We need to pick up the pieces of ours and get on with the season. #YNWA
— Linda Mitman (@LiverpoolLinda) January 8, 2018
— George Dann (@PennyWise1983) January 8, 2018
Whoever believes any of this needs to give their head a wobble. Clearly not written by him, and if he really did care at all he would have left this summer. Also his behaviour during these last couple of transfer windows has been disgusting! Lets move on shall we #YNWA
— Mo Talib (@motali86) January 8, 2018
Even if it was his words, not interested. Bye Phil
— RJTT (@Reece_Truepenny) January 8, 2018
