Liverpool news: Philippe Coutinho doubtful about future Barcelona transfer

Coutinho has spoken out for the first time about how he was interested in joining Barcelona this summer.

The Brazilian was denied a move to the Nou Camp after Liverpool rejected three offers from the Catalans and turned down his transfer request.

The 25-year-old has now been reintegrated back into the Liverpool squad and made his first start of the season in the 1-1 draw with Burnley yesterday.

However some reports have suggested Coutinho will ultimately follow former team-mate Luis Suarez in staying at Anfield for one season then move to Barcelona.

But asked by ESPN Brazil if he could replicate Suarez, he said: “Not that I know of. 

“I’m in a place that I’ve always been respected by everyone and me too respected everyone, conquered my space through this 4, 5 years and never had any problems with nobody here, the fans, teammates, the board, the coaching staff and that haven’t changed a bit. 

“Like I said, in every job you get an offer, you get interested or not.”

Coutinho also insisted he was not hurt by how the situation unfolded.

He added: “Now it’s all in the past.

“I have to work, I’m focused on working hard, having a good season, if possible, and, of course, in the end, doing it in a great way to help the team, honouring the shirt and thinking about the team and the Selecao (Brazil).