Philippe Coutinho reveals he wanted to move to Barcelona during transfer window as Liverpool midfielder finally breaks silence
Brazilian midfielder was the Catalan giants' No 1 target for most of summer — but Jurgen Klopp and board held firm
PHILIPPE COUTINHO has broken his silence by admitting: I wanted to go to Barcelona.
Liverpool stayed firm during the summer transfer window, despite the Catalans' intense pursuit of their Brazilian midfielder.
And, speaking to ESPN Brasil, Coutinho has revealed the he felt conflicted — but that the move would have suited himself and his family.
He explained: "What happened was that I received an offer for work and, in life, sometimes you're interested and sometimes not.
"In my case, as everyone knows, I was interested — and my family as well."
Coutinho made his first appearance of the season after the transfer window had closed, as Jurgen Klopp held him back early on due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Barcelona were reported to have had three bids of over £100million rejected — and the former Inter Milan man admitted it wasn't easy to deal with.
He added: "It was a difficult month for me.
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"Everything is done now and I have to concentrate to ensure I have a good year and help my team.
"I want to help Liverpool and the national team."
Coutinho insists that, despite his desire to join Barcelona, his love for his current employers never wavered.
He said: "I have always respected Liverpool, the fans, the players and the directors.
"It is a great honour to have received an offer from such a great club — but it's the same here.
"Liverpool is a great club."
Coutinho made his first start of the season during the 1-1 draw at home to Burnley.
