Coutinho speaks out on failed Barcelona switch

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After making his first Liverpool start of the season Philippe Coutinho has admitted he wanted to join Barcelona during the transfer window.

Philippe Coutinho admitted that he was interested in moving to Barcelona, but vowed to give his all for Liverpool after a move to Camp Nou failed to materialise.

Barca had a heavy war chest at their disposal following the sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record move and the Liga giants eyed Coutinho as a target to help fill his Brazilian compatriot's void.

Barca suggested the Reds wanted €200m for the 25-year-old, a figure they were unwilling to meet – instead opting to purchase Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund for an initial €105m.

"What happened was a job offer and, in life, sometimes you get interested, sometimes you don't, and in my case, as everybody knows, I got interested, my family too," he told ESPN Brazil after Saturday's 1-1 draw.

"But as I've always said, it's a great honour to receive an offer from such a great club like that, but it's also a great honour being here, Liverpool is great club worldwide. 

"Now I'm here and I'll give my best, as always."