Coutinho gives honest verdict on Liverpool exit after ignoring Klopp warning

27 February 2024 , 06:46

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Philippe Coutinho is now with Qatari side Al-Duhail (Image: Getty Images)

Philippe Coutinho insists he still has no regrets about turning his back on Liverpool, despite his miserable time at Barcelona.

The Brazilian midfielder joined the Catalan giants in a £142m deal in January 2018. However, the move did not go to plan.

Coutinho made just 106 appearances over the four-and-a-half years he was contracted to the club and scored 25 goals. He was sent out on loan to Bayern Munich and Aston Villa - before joining the latter permanently during Steven Gerrard's time as boss.

Despite failing to hit the heights expected of him at Camp Nou, the 31-year-old does not look back on his switch to Barcelona with regret. Speaking to Sport Coutinho said: “No. At no time [does he have any regret].

“Things did not turn out as I imagined, as people expected, as I expected because I am the first to demand of myself on the field, I tell myself that I have to give more on the field. I tried everything, I have always been very professional and I don’t regret anything.

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“It was always my dream to play for Barça and I went there, I enjoyed it, I was able to meet many people, win titles and it will always be in the story of my life.”

Asked if he would change anything about his experience, he added: “Nothing. I would not change anything. Going back is impossible, but as I said I don’t regret anything, I always gave my best in training as I do here and as I did last year and as I will do next year. If things fit well, great and if not, patience.”

Barcelona paid an eye-watering £142m for Philippe Coutinho (Getty Images)

Why did Philippe Coutinho fail at Barcelona? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Coutinho was the darling of Anfield when he left, and was warned by Jurgen Klopp about the dangers of moving to Catalunya. Speaking at the time, the Liverpool boss said: "Stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour. Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more."

Ironically, the Brazilian started both legs of the Champions League semi-final meeting with his former club in 2019, as the Reds famously producing a stunning comeback to beat the Spanish side 4-0 at Anfield.

Coutinho remains contracted to Aston Villa but is unwanted by boss Unai Emery and is currently on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail.

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Daniel Orme