Philippe Coutinho has opened up about his high-profile transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona, insisting he harbours no regrets despite a series of injuries that have since hampered his career. The Brazilian made the £146million move to the Catalan giants in 2018, clinching La Liga titles and domestic trophies.
At Anfield, Coutinho was a pivotal figure, winning over fans with his flair and contributing significantly to Liverpool’s attack alongside stars like Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane.
His exit in 2018 paved the way for Liverpool to sign key players Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, which helped Jurgen Klopp’s team achieve success in England, Europe, and on the world stage. Coutinho’s departure came at a time when Liverpool were flourishing, with the midfielder being a crucial part of their offensive prowess.
In the run-up to his January move, there was intense speculation about Coutinho’s future, with interest from other clubs. However, Klopp was adamant in the summer of 2017 that Coutinho was not for sale, stressing the unique opportunity he had at Liverpool.
Klopp famously cautioned: “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.”
Coutinho has opened up about his career trajectory since his departure from Liverpool, acknowledging some success but also admitting that injuries have stymied his progress. The Brazilian playmaker left Barcelona in 2022 after loan spells at Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, eventually signing permanently with the latter under then-manager Steven Gerrard.
However, his stint at Villa Park was short-lived, lasting only a year before Unai Emery took over, leading to Coutinho’s move to Al-Duhail in the Qatar Stars League on loan.
Reflecting on his journey, Coutinho has faced suggestions that Jurgen Klopp’s comments back in 2017 about his transfer have gained significance as he struggled post-Anfield. Yet, Coutinho remains resolute, insisting he harbours no regrets six years on.
“No,” he said firmly. “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.
“It was always my dream to play for Barca 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.
“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.”