Philippe Coutinho was officially unveiled as Barcelona’s record signing on Monday, ending a six-month-long saga that left a bitter taste in the mouth for many Liverpool fans despite the €160 million the club netted in the transfer and Reds forward Roberto Firmino penned a touching farewell message for his compatriot on Instagram.
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The post, when translated, reads:
“Hey, Liverpool is no longer the same without the magical wizard.
Bro, I wish infinite success for you, that you enjoy life. And realise all your dreams brother!
God is always protecting you and your whole family!
It was an honour, El Wizard, to play together with you”.
A vast majority of players, past and present, had paid tributes to the twinkle-toed midfielder on Tuesday and while Firmino was a little late in wishing his former club colleague, his wish was perhaps the most striking of all.
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Firmino, Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah had formed a part of Liverpool’s vaunted ‘Fab Four’ this season as the Reds terrorised Premier League defences but with Coutinho’s departure, the quartet has split to leave Reds fans worried about the strength of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
Coutinho was on the verge of moving in the summer, with Barcelona making several offers but Liverpool held firm on their no-sale policy. A reported bid of €105 million was rejected and the Brazilian stayed in Merseyside beyond the summer deadline.
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According to reports, Jurgen Klopp offered Coutinho a vastly-improved deal and even offered to make him captain of the club in a desperate bid to stay but the South American had set his heart on a move to the Nou Camp and eventually got his way once the winter transfer window opened.
Despite handing in a transfer request, however, Coutinho continued to perform at a level expected of him and his farewell message to Liverpool fans was, by and large, well-received.
Also read: Philippe Coutinho posts message for Liverpool fans on Instagram after Barcelona move
Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City and Thomas Lemar are two high-profile names that have been linked to replace Coutinho’s void, but it remains to be seen whether their respective clubs will agree to let their prized assets depart mid-season.
Emre Can is another player expected to depart Anfield either in January or after the end of the current season as he is in the final few months of his contract and will be available as a free agent in the summer.