Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 7y

Philippe Coutinho looks to future at Liverpool after failed Barcelona move

Philippe Coutinho has told ESPN Brasil that he has "no problems" with anybody at Liverpool despite the club blocking a move to Barcelona.

Coutinho was the subject of three bids from Barcelona and he handed in a transfer request in an attempt to leave Anfield.

The 25-year-old received a warm reception from Liverpool supporters on Saturday afternoon, but he was unable to help the Reds avoid a frustrating 1-1 draw with Burnley.

"The whole world knows what happened," Coutinho said in his first interview since the transfer saga. "From the first moment I played here and in the last game, I was very well received -- like I always have been for the past four or five years.

"The respect I have for them [the fans] and the respect they have for me appears to be maintained. What I need to do is to work hard and to always do my best to help the team.

"I received a job offer, like in life whatever work you do. Sometimes you're interested and sometimes you're not. In this case, like you all know, I was interested. My family too.

"But it's like I always said... it's a great honour to receive an offer for a great club like that. But it's also a great honour to be here. Liverpool is a great club. I'm here and I'm going to give it my best as always.

"It was a complicated month for me, but like I said I'm here now. It's an honour to receive an offer like that, but it's also an honour to be here.

"I earned my place during the last four, five years and I've never had a problem 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."

When asked whether he felt hurt with the way events turned out, Coutinho insists the ordeal is in the past and that he is focusing on having a successful 2017-18 season.

"No. It's all done now," he added. "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."

Asked about a possible move to Barcelona at a later date, to link up with his friend Luis Suarez who made the same move from Liverpool to the Camp Nou, he added: "No, nothing that I know of. I'm in a place where I'm very respected by everyone and I also always respect everyone.

Coutinho played 78 minutes against Burnley before being substituted, with manager Jurgen Klopp confirming the playmaker was suffering from cramp.

^ Back to Top ^