Former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho says he has no regret leaving the Reds for Barcelona. The Brazil international left Anfield in January 2018 for Barcelona in a deal worth a massive £142m. Despite failing to live up to the price-tag, Coutinho recently reflected on his journey to Barcelona and the reasons behind the struggles he faced.
“The beginning was really good. My first six months at Barcelona were great. We won a title and I was playing really well. But the following season, after the World Cup, I was not in the same shape. My performances dipped and that was tough for me. I wanted to meet expectations, my own expectations as well but I just wasn’t able to,” Coutinho said.
He added that the challenging period was tough, but he leaned on his family and faith to stay strong. “That period was really challenging for me but I leaned on my family and in my faith, I’ve always believed in God. That helped me stay strong through it all.”
The Brazilian midfielder’s time at Barcelona may not have lived up to expectations, but he has spoken highly of his teammates and the experience he gained during his time at the club. Coutinho’s time at Barcelona may have been marked by struggles, but it has also been a valuable learning experience for the player.
Coutinho’s move to Barcelona was one of the most significant transfers in football history, and his experience at the Catalan club has been a mixed bag. While he has expressed no regrets over his decision, it’s clear that the pressure and expectations at Barcelona took a toll on him. Despite this, Coutinho remains a talented player, and his journey serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by top athletes in high-pressure environments.