Philippe Coutinho insists he doesn’t regret leaving Liverpool in 2018 despite flopping at Barcelona.
Coutinho quickly established himself as a firm fans’ favourite at Anfield, scoring 54 goals and making 43 assists in 201 appearances in all competitions.
But the Brazilian decided to leave Liverpool four years ago and complete a dream move to Barcelona in a deal worth more than £100m.
Much was expected of Coutinho when he arrived at the Nou Camp but the 29-year-old struggled in Spain, scoring just 26 goals in 106 matches.
Barcelona offloaded Coutinho last month, with the Brazil international joining his former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.
Reflecting on his decision to leave Liverpool, Coutinho told ESPN: ‘At certain times we have to make decisions and one of my big dreams was to play for Barcelona.
‘At that moment I decided to make that decision, but always with great affection, respect and gratitude for Liverpool and for the friendships over the years I’ve been in the club.
‘But at that moment I had a decision to make and I don’t regret it.’
Coutinho has made a bright start to his spell at Villa Park, scoring two goals and making two assists in five Premier League games.
On working with former England midfielder Gerrard, Coutinho said: ‘I always admired him a lot. For me, it was an honour to have played with him.
‘Now having him as a coach, with the experience he has, training has been strong and demanding.
‘He has big ambitions, I’m happy to be here and I hope to respond to what he expects by helping our team to achieve our goals.
‘For me, it was an honour to be part of his career as a player, and now, as a coach, I feel even more honoured.’
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