Liverpool defender admits club are powerless to stop Coutinho exit

Oli Fisher
Coutinho Liverpool TEAMtalk

Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno has pleaded with Philippe Coutinho not to leave, but admits he is powerless to stop a Barcelona move.

The Brazil star has been linked with a big-money move to the Nou Camp since the summer, in which Barca reportedly saw three bids rejected for the playmaker.

Reports have suggested that Barcelona have not given up hope in signing Coutinho and will return in January, but Moreno insists he has done all he can to convince the 25-year-old to stay.

He told The Guardian: “I’ve said: ‘Brother, don’t go.’ If I get to decide, Philippe’s not going.

“He’s my friend and always will be. I don’t know what will happen. If it was down to me, I’d love him close to me for life, always enjoying seeing him play football, which is a wonder.

“But I can’t interfere. It’s Liverpool, Barcelona and him, and they decide. He’s a big piece at Liverpool. Every fan, everyone who watches Liverpool, everyone who understands football knows that. They know that if he goes, it will leave a big hole.

“It’s a privilege, it’s an honour to share a dressing room with him. I see him train every day and he does things I’ve never seen before.”

Want news and features on the Reds on your Facebook timeline? Like our dedicated Liverpool page.