It was a long time coming and came when it did, it was a stark reminder of what happened throughout the summer. Yes, we are talking about our very own Philippe Coutinho!
Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Coutinho spoke for the first time since his failed move to Barcelona in the summer, in which he claimed that he wanted to join the Catalan club. (Goal)
The playmaker was the subject of intense interest from Barcelona as the Spanish giants went shopping with the world-record transfer fee they received for Neymar. However, Liverpool stayed firm throughout the window and rejected all the advances of the Catalans.
That the move did not happen despite Coutinho’s transfer request, which he reportedly sent in an email, shows the determination of the Reds.
Speaking to ESPN Brasil, for the first time after this saga ended, Coutinho has revealed that he felt intrigued by the prospect of joining Barcelona as he and his family set sights on the move.
He explained: “What happened was that I received an offer for work and, in life, sometimes you’re interested and sometimes not. In my case, as everyone knows, I was interested — and my family as well.
“But as I’ve always said, it’s a great honour to receive an offer from such a great club like that, but it’s also a great honour being here – Liverpool is great club worldwide. Now I’m here and I’ll give my best, as always.
“I’ve never had any problems with anyone here. I’ve always respected the support very much of the groups. The players, the directors, the technical staff. And that hasn’t changed at all. Like I said, whatever job offers you get, some interest you and others don’t.”
Coutinho made his first appearance of the season only after the transfer window closed as Jurgen Klopp decided to hold him back due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Coutinho was brought back into the Liverpool side by Klopp during the midweek game against Sevilla. He then made his first start of the season during the 1-1 weekend draw at home to Burnley. Klopp still maintains that Coutinho is vital to his plans and sticks to his idea of easing him back into action.
Barcelona were reported to have had three bids rejected and the former Inter Milan midfielder claimed that it was a difficult month for him. Coutinho insists that he has now moved on from the transfer and has his sights on helping his side this season. The Brazilian claimed that even if Barcelona’s offer swayed his mind, staying back at Liverpool which is one of the top clubs in the world is a huge plus for him. He said:
“It’s all done now. I have to work. I’m focused on working hard and to have a good year if possible. In the end, I have to help my team.”
What Coutinho has said may be true because for every South American, the biggest club right from their childhood remains Barcelona and Real Madrid. No wonder then that Coutinho was interested in a move. It is now time for us to move on along with the player and hope that the best is yet to come.
https://youtu.be/w3H4I1LBzGs
