31-year-old Brazilian international attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho has enjoyed a very diverse and successful playing career, representing the likes of Inter Milan, Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but he is one of the players who made a loan switch out to the Saudi Arabian Pro League when they emerged as a destination during last summer, and he now plys his trade for Al-Duhail.
Whilst his spell with Aston Villa certainly cannot be described as a success, and he struggled to find his earlier form and impact levels, the player has recently insisted that he does not regret his career decisions, and although some had doubts about his choice to move to Barcelona, he would not change a thing, even though those with a gal sport betting bonus may have expected him to answer differently.
On paper he had a good spell at the Camp Nou, playing his part in two La Liga wins, as well as lifting the Copa del Rey – he also won the Champions League trophy whilst on loan from Barca to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, scoring twice against his parent club in the quarter finals.
However, most in the wider world of football feel the spell was actually damaging to his career, given the pathway that he has been on since leaving Anfield. He is only three days older than former team mate Mohamed Salah, but whilst he continues to star for both club and country, Coutinho now plays in a substandard league desperately seeking improvement by offering financial rewards, and for all intents and purposes, Aston Villa were pretty desperate to see him leave, at least the fans were at any rate after his below par performances for them.
Jurgen Klopp actually warned him about the move, insisting he would end up with a statue to honour him if he stuck around, but a £105 million fee was agreed, and even though it could have netted Liverpool a cool £142 million, but Barcelona got no where near those add ons given how his spell with them actually went. Liverpool did reinvest the money they received, and bringing in the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker they went on to a first title in 30 years and 2019 Champions League success of their own.
“No. At no time. Things did not turn out as I imagined. I tried everything, I have always been very professional and I don’t regret anything. It was always my dream to play for Barça and I went there, I enjoyed it, I was able to meet many people, win titles and it will always be in the story of my life.”
He also explained that he was very ‘satisfied’ with his playing career and the experiences he has had down the years, and that he was simply going to enjoy his next adventure.
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