Philippe Coutinho confirms he wanted Barcelona move - ‘I was interested by the offer’

Coutinho made his first start of the season for Liverpool yesterday but was unable to help the team beat Burnley at Anfield.

The Brazilian was a frustrated figure as the Reds were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw thanks to an excellent performance in goal from Nick Pope.

Coutinho’s appearance came after a summer of speculation surrounding his future.

Barcelona had three bids rejected by Liverpool and the 25-year-old even submitted a transfer request, but that was swiftly turned down by the club.

He then missed the start of the season with a back problem and illness but has been welcomed back by manager Jurgen Klopp and his team-mates.

And Coutinho has finally broken his silence about the failed Barcelona move, saying he wanted to join the Catalans but will now focus on Liverpool. 

“What happened was a job offer and, in life, sometimes you get interested, sometimes you don’t, and in my case, as everybody knows, I got interested, my family too,” Coutinho told ESPN Brazil.

“But as I’ve always said, it’s a great honour to receive an offer from such a great club like that, but it’s also a great honour being here, Liverpool is great club worldwide. 

“Now I’m here and I’ll give my best, as always.”