Barcelona signing Coutinho thanks Steven Gerrard

The Brazilian secured his dream transfer to the Nou Camp, making him the second-most expensive player of all time, the fomer Liverpool captain insists he respects Coutinho's decision, posting a message on Instagram proclaiming his admiration for the Samba star. 

'It hurts you have left because you are a special player, up there with the best I shared a pitch with. I want to wish you and your family all the best for the next stage of your career in Barcelona . Thank you for the special moments and memories over the last 5 years . YNWA.' 

Responding to Gerrard's message, Coutinho said: 'Steve, thanks so much for your kind words. It was an honour for me to play with such a legend as yourself. I learnt a lot from knowing you. Both off the pitch in my family life and also on the pitch.' 

'Thank you for all your support and encouragement in my years at Liverpool. Your belief in me helped me become a better player. I wish you and your family the best.'

Gerrard's post follows his praise for the forward whilst working as a pundit for 'BT Sport'. 

On the channel, he said: 'There's no doubt about it, Liverpool will miss him. He's a wonderful footballer, a great person and to be fair to him he hasn't downed tools at all.'

'But Liverpool will go on. They've got big money for him and I'm sure they'll replace him with the right people.'