Coutinho worked ‘extra hard’ for Liverpool

Barcelona forward Philippe Coutinho has explained how he ‘had to work extra hard’ at Liverpool after his summer move to the Camp Nou collapsed.

The Brazilian made his intentions of leaving Anfield clear in August after it appeared the Blaugrana were intent on his signing, but when the bids were rejected he had to stay in England until January.

“I was clear from the first offer from Barca that I wanted to come here, that was my intention,” Coutinho told an interview with El Mundo Deportivo.

“When it did not go through in the summer, I had to work extra hard with more hours to show the fans that I was not being unprofessional.

“It was not an easy situation for me of course but the fans of Liverpool treated me well, even if I could not win any trophies at the club.

“Since my move, the welcome from the players has been fantastic but particularly Messi and Suarez, who are two idols for me.

“It is special to play in the same team as Messi, it makes me extremely happy.”

Tags Liverpool Philippe Coutinho
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