Philippe Coutinho speaks for the first time since Barcelona transfer saga
The Brazilian was the subject of three failed bids from the Catalan giants and submitted a written transfer request to swap Anfield for the Nou Camp in the summer
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Philippe Coutinho has spoken for the first time since his failed move to Barcelona this summer.
The Brazilian was the subject of three failed bids from the Catalan giants and submitted a written transfer request to swap Anfield for the Nou Camp.
But despite persistent interest right up until the deadline the 24-year-old did not get his wish and has subsequently been eased back into the fold after missing the start of Liverpool's season.
Jurgen Klopp expects the midfielder to return his best and be a key player this term and handed him his first Premier League start of the campaign in the 1-1 draw with Burnley on Saturday.
And speaking afterwards Coutinho revealed just how close he came to leaving the club.
"What happened was a job offer and, in life, sometimes you get interested. Sometimes you don't and, in my case, everyone knows that I got interested, my family too," he told ESPN Brasil. "But as I have always said, it is a great offer to receive an offer from such a great club like that.
"But it is also a great honour being here. Liverpool is a great club worldwide. I'm here and I will give my best as always. I'm working hard, my thoughts are on the team's goals, making a good season."
Coutinho missed the start of the season as speculation continued over just where he would be playing his football this term but he is happy to now be back on the field.
"It was a complicated month for me but as I have said, it is an honour to receive that offer but it is also an honour to wear this shirt, so what I can do is work hard and honour that on the field. It is all cool," he added.
So will he follow good friend and former teammate Luis Suarez to the Nou Camp at some point?
"Not that I know of. I am in a place that I have always been given respect by everyone and (I) too respect everyone," he said. "I have conquered my space in four, five years and never had any problems with anyone – the fans, the board, my team-mates, the coaching staff. That has not changed. As I have said, in life, in every job you get an offer, interested or not. It is all in the past."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments