Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho has assured Reds supporters that he is in it for the long haul despite interest from Barcelona, reports The Daily Mirror.
The 24-year-old has been a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s team this season, bagging 13 goals and laying on seven assists en route to his best goal-scoring campaign in England since arriving from Inter Milan back in January 2013.
The Brazil international finished the season with 14 goals in 36 games in all competitions, and his end of season form, incorporating seven goals and two assists in his last nine league games, helped inspire Klopp’s men to a top four finish in the Premier League.
And it’s also form which has attracted interest from Luis Enrique’s Barca, but Coutinho himself has reiterated his commitment to Liverpool.
He said, when asked whether he would be playing for Liverpool or Barcelona in next season’s Champions League: ‘A lot of people have been asking me this, but I don’t understand.
‘I have a contract with Liverpool – a long contract. This speculation is for other people only.’
These comments are sure to excite Reds supporters who have seen Coutinho embark on another excellent season in England, and thus remain one of the club’s most important members of the squad.
The 24-year-old signed a new long-term contract at Anfield earlier this season but it hasn’t stopped speculation mounting about a potential move to the Spanish giants, although it seems clear that Coutinho wants to remain at Liverpool for the long haul.