Coutinho was desperate to make Barcelona move happen, says Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said that Philippe Coutinho was “desperate” to move to Barcelona and that the club did everything they could to keep him.

Barcelona have confirmed they have finally agreed a deal to sign the Brazilian after a long and drawn out transfer saga.

“It is no secret that Philippe has wanted this move to happen since July, when Barcelona first made their interest known.

“Philippe was insistent with me, the owners and even his teammates this was a move he was desperate to make happen.

“Despite that, we managed to keep the player here beyond the summer window, hoping that we would be able to persuade him to stay and be part of what we are looking to do.

“I can tell the Liverpool supporters that we, as a club, have done everything within our means to convince Philippe that remaining part of LFC was as attractive as moving to Spain, but he is 100 per cent certain his future – and that of his family – belongs at Barcelona.

“It is his dream and I am now convinced there is nothing left at our disposal to change his mind.

“Philippe has made a fantastic contribution to this club over his five years of service and as disappointed as we are he doesn’t want to extend that, the relationship we have for him means with a heavy heart we wish him well.”

Source | Liverpool FC

Coutinho will be officially unveiled in the coming days and could make his debut against Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey on Thursday or against Sociedad on Sunday.

Source: Gill Clark http://ift.tt/2CLigbS