Philippe Coutinho says that he hopes Liverpool fans understand his keenness to joinBarcelona. The Brazilian signed with the club last Friday, having also submitted a transferrequest in the hope of joining them last summer.
Coutinho says that Liverpool will always have a special place in his heart, but that he couldjust could not resists the lure of Barcelona. “Since the moment I arrived in Liverpool, me andmy family have been made to feel so welcome and have made so many friends,” he said.
“On the pitch and off the pitch, we have experienced the beauty of this club and its fans. Inturn, I hope I have delivered memories and moments that have brought happiness to theLiverpool supporters.
“Moving to Liverpool, I knew the club’s greatness and history but what I did learn during mytime was the unique heart and soul of the place. It has its own personality and character. Ileave Liverpool because Barcelona is a dream for me.
“Liverpool was a dream that I was fortunate enough to realise and I have given five years ofmy life to it. A career on the pitch only lasts for so long and to play for Barcelona as well asLiverpool is something I want to experience and enjoy while I am blessed enough to be ableto do so.
“I hope the supporters understand that choosing to experience something new is not aboutdiminishing their importance to me or the club’s importance. Nothing will ever diminish that inmy heart.
“I wish Jurgen (Klopp) and the team nothing but joy and success for the rest of this seasonand beyond. This is an amazing team and they are getting better and better all the time.”