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Liverpool players, former and present, react to Philippe Coutinho’s departure

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Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho (Photo: AFP)


Philippe Coutinho on Monday was officially revealed as a Barcelona’s most expensive signing of all-time and while Liverpool fans were indignant at the way the Brazilian pushed for a move, most of his former teammates were quick to pay tribute to the fleet-footed midfielder.

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who was at the club in a playing capacity when Coutinho joined in 2013 and is currently managing the U-18 side, was effusive in his praise:

It hurts you have left because you are a special player , up there with the best I shared a pitch with . I want to wish you @phil.coutinho and your family all the best for the next stage of your career in Barcelona . Thank you for the special moments and memories over the last 5 years . YNWA

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Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah, who has been in sensational form this season, had this to say on the twinkle-toed midfielder:

Really enjoyed playing with you even if it was for such a short time. I wish you all the best in your new adventure.✌🏼

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Current Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson admitted he would miss the Brazilian but wished him well as he posted:

Good luck amigo! It’s been a pleasure to play with you over the years. Thanks for everything. We will miss you and your family but wish you and them all the very best. 🙌🏻

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Reds centre-back Dejan Lovren’s touching post was well-received by his followers:

My brazilian brate, it was a pleasure and honor to share the dressing room with you. You are a amazing player and even better person! Wish you all the best in your new club, we will miss you a lot. ☹️ ❤️ Don’t forget You will never walk alone 😘 @phil.coutinho

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And lastly, but certainly not the least, former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, expressed his delight at reuniting with his former colleague at Barcelona:

BIENVENIDO amigo👏👏 @phil.coutinho, qué lindo volver a compartir equipo contigo 😃😃 Éxitos en esta nueva etapa, entre todos los conseguiremos! WELCOME my friend 👏👏 how nice is to share team with you again 😃😃 Lots of success in this new stage, we will achieve them all together!

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Coutinho’s €160 million move was the culmination of a saga that started in the summer of 2017, when Barcelona saw several offers fail to dislodge Liverpool’s no-sale policy.

The Brazilian midfielder, who had arrived at Anfield for a relative bargain price of £8.3 million in January 2013, had his head turned by the Catalan giants’ pursuit but the Reds stood firm and managed to keep the Brazilian beyond the transfer deadline.

Don’t miss: Philippe Coutinho posts message for Liverpool fans on Instagram after Barcelona move

To his credit, the Brazilian put all the drama behind him and scored some sensational goals as Liverpool’s free-flowing attack wowed all an sundry.

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However, as the winter transfer window neared, reports of Barcelona renewing their pursuit of Coutinho resurfaced and while Liverpool initially held out, they were forced to relent due to the mammoth fee offered by the La Liga side and the fact that Coutinho himself was desperate to move.

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