Today saw the confirmation of Philippe Coutinho’s transfer to Barcelona from Liverpool which accumulated to £142 million. During his press conference after the confirmation, Coutinho said “it is a dream come true” to be playing for the Catalan side but also thanked Liverpool for understanding that this is what he wanted.
Coutinho played for Liverpool for five years, appearing 201 times and scoring 54 goals. He thanked “all the fans, all the staff and all the players” for making his stay at Anfield enjoyable for him and his family. The world’s second most expensive player “gave everything I could” and is disappointed that during those fie years “we could not win [any trophies]”.
Whilst at Liverpool, the Brazilian did come close to winning trophies for the Reds multiple times, including the memorable 2013/14 campaign where Liverpool finished 2nd after looking certain to win a 1st Premier League title, the 2016 League Cup final to Manchester City on penalties with Coutinho having his penalty saved by Willy Caballero and the infamous Europa League final versus Sevilla which was humiliating for everyone involved at the football club.
Joining Barcelona is a dream for all South American footballers due to the similarities it has of their life in their native countries. Coutinho joins fellow South Americans Rafinha, Paulinho, Lionel Messi and former Liverpool players Javier Mascherano and the legendary Luis Suarez, who is said to have been a big factor in Coutinho transferring.
The pair built a formidable partnership when the both of them plied their trade with Liverpool. It is well documented by himself that he and Suarez are “good friends” and that Suarez “wrote a lot of messages” to Coutinho to try and convince him to come to Barcelona, telling Coutinho about “the city and the club”.
From the start of this transfer saga last summer, Barcelona’s handling of their pursuit has been criticised highly and the “tapping up” of the 25-year-old was apparent to everyone. From players talking about him interviews to including him in the club’s Secret Santa, Barcelona should be fined for their mischievous behaviour regardless that Coutinho has now signed on the dotted line.
