Philippe Coutinho's controversial comments about Liverpool left him looking very silly

Philippe Coutinho's exit from marked a monumental shift for both the player and the club. The Brazilian, once revered by the Anfield faithful, made a blockbuster £142million switch to in 2018, lured by the prospect of chasing "big titles" he felt were out of reach on Merseyside.

But hindsight tells a different story. As Liverpool celebrate their 2024/25 championship, words from seven years ago echo with painful irony.

"I really want to win big titles," he said upon joining the Catalan giants. "It was one of the reasons that made me sign for the club. I want to win as many as I can."

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Coutinho's departure sent shockwaves through Liverpool. He was the team's creative pulse, a pivotal player under and previously under

Although his sale brought in a massive sum, many fans feared it might stall the club's upward momentum. Yet, the midfielder's decision ended up fuelling Liverpool's success.

By 2020, the Reds had conquered both Europe and the English top flight - achievements partly funded by the windfall from Coutinho's transfer. With that money, the club brought in vital players like and - forming the defensive bedrock that freed and to attack with reckless abandon.

Meanwhile, Coutinho's dream stint in Spain began to unravel. He struggled to cement a consistent place in Barcelona's setup, registering only 106 appearances over four-and-a-half years - a stark contrast to the influential star he once was in red.

He was loaned to but his contributions there were limited, and the German club opted not to sign him permanently. Spells at Qatari side Al-Duhail, and most recently Vasco da Gama, showed brief glimpses of his talent but lacked staying power.

Persistent injuries and fluctuating form have haunted him, and now, at 32, his career stands in sharp contrast to the continued rise of Liverpool. The club has now secured eight major trophies since his exit, their latest league title a symbol of their relentless drive - something Coutinho misjudged.

His journey also acts as a reminder: the grass isn't always greener away from Anfield. Still, Coutinho maintains he has about the path he chose.

"I had this dream to play for Barcelona. Then the opportunity presented itself and I couldn't say no to my dream," he told earlier this month.

"I have no regrets about everything I experienced, all the places I've been. I gave my all, was very professional and tried to do my best.

"It worked out well at some clubs, while not so much at others. But that's football. But I don't have any regrets, only thanks and gratitude for every club I've been at."

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