Why we sold Coutinho to Barcelona - Klopp

Jurgen Klopp has revealed why they budged and sold Philippe Coutinho but insisted that Liverpool never wanted to allow the Brazilian leave and did everything possible to keep him.

The Reds agreed a deal to sell Coutinho to Barcelona for a staggering £145million on Saturday, and Klopp says they did all they could to prevent the move, but agreed, albeit reluctantly.

The 25-year old joined Liverpool from Inter Milan for £8.5m in 2013, but has now become the third most expensive footballer in history having signed a five-and-a-half-year deal at the Nou Camp.

Klopp said to Liverpool’s website: “It is with great reluctance that we — as a team and club — prepare to say farewell to a good friend, a wonderful person and a fantastic player in Philippe Coutinho.

“It is no secret that Philippe has wanted this move to happen since July, when Barcelona first made their interest known. Philippe was insistent with me, the owners and even his team-mates this was a move he was desperate to make happen.

"Despite that, we managed to keep the player here beyond the summer window, hoping that we would be able to persuade him to stay and be part of what we are looking to do.

“I can tell the Liverpool supporters that we, as a club, have done everything within our means to convince Philippe that remaining part of LFC was as attractive as moving to Spain, but he is 100 per cent certain his future — and that of his family — belongs at Barcelona. It is his dream and I am now convinced there is nothing left at our disposal to change his mind.”