As so often is the case in modern football, the player who orchestrates and forces a big move away from a club leaves with nothing but love, affection, and respect for said club. Sure, they've departed mid-season having made it incredibly clear they didn't want to stay, but, you know, thanks for everything.
In Philippe Coutinho's case, it's hard not to believe the sentiment though. In an in-depth feature with The Mail, who spent three days with the player late last week as his move from Liverpool to Barcelona became inevitable, Coutinho clearly showed some anxiety and regret when he thinks about the club he's leaving.
When watching his now former teammates beat Everton in the FA Cup on Friday, the Brazilian claims Liverpool are going to be fine without him.
They are in a healthy position, with very, very good footballers.
The signing of Virgil van Dijk is a statement, Mo Salah is a wonderful footballer. I look forward to watching them win trophies and to celebrating their success.
It wasn't Liverpool though that forced this. It was the club he's joining which possess a unique pull for Coutinho.
I would not have left for any other club, but Barcelona is something different. It is a dream, a place of magic for me.
When I was young I would watch Ronaldinho play, I would watch him give magic. Now they have Messi doing the same.
When I played there for Espanyol against Barcelona, I saw the magic was for real because Messi scored four goals! He does things to make your jaw drop wide open.
The entire piece, charting Coutinho's last few days as a Liverpool player, is well worth a read here.
