Philippe Coutinho says he does not regret leaving Liverpool for Barcelona in a move which remains the Premier League’s outgoing transfer record but led to a sharp decline in the midfielder’s career trajectory.
Brazil international Coutinho was the Reds’ player of the season twice during his five years at the club, shining in a creative role behind the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Barca paid Liverpool a total of £142 million for the services of a player who rarely approached the impact he had at Anfield and struggled to establish himself as a regular during four seasons with the Spanish giants.
“Things did not turn out as I imagined, as people expected, as I expected,” Coutinho acknowledged to Sport.
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“I am the first to make demands of myself on the pitch; I tell myself that I have to give more.
“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 and enjoyed it.
“I was able to meet many people, win titles and it will always be in the story of my life. I would not change anything. Going back is impossible but I don’t regret anything.”
Klopp, Flick can ‘adapt’ to new clubs
Having won La Liga twice, Coutinho was sent on loan to Bayern Munich – where he lifted the Uefa Champions League trophy in 2020 – and Aston Villa, who made his move permanent during Steven Gerrard’s spell in charge for a reported £17m in 2022.
Current manager Unai Emery loaned Coutinho to Qatar Stars League club Al-Duhail for the entirety of this season.
“I am satisfied with my career,” said Coutinho. “Many people [contemplate] whether it is good or bad but I am satisfied with myself.
“I know what I represent, what I can do. I know who I am and this is the most important thing for me.”
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Coutinho played under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Hansi Flick at Bayern – both of whom have been linked with the roles at Barcelona and the Bundesliga side which will become vacant at the end of the campaign.
“They are two great coaches,” observed Coutinho. “I had a very good relationship with them and their teams have always played very well.
“I would say they are very good options for any team in the world. Each one adapts to the club’s way of playing.”
Neymar injury: Forward will be ‘stronger’
Coutinho’s most high-profile international team-mate, Neymar, is out of this year’s Copa America with a knee injury – as the playmaker was for the 2021 edition.
“He has a bad injury now but he will surely come back stronger,” said Coutinho. “He is increasingly close to a return and undoubtedly has a lot to contribute for our team and in club football.
“He is Brazil’s main player and we have to have him on the pitch to compete for the [2026] World Cup.”
Asked about videos that appeared to show the forward tooking out of shape, Coutinho said: “That is what the newspapers say.
“I had to stop for nine months and I know how difficult it is in the beginning. But when he adapts after treatment, he will be in the best shape.”
