FOOTBALL UPDATE

Barcelona signing Philippe Coutinho has traded heart-felt messages with former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard.  http://ochoochosoccer.blogspot.com.ng/2018/01/luis-suarez-welcomes-philippe-coutinho.html?m=1 The Brazilian secured his move to the Nou Camp for an impressive £145 million and Gerrard insisted he respected his decision, posting a message on Instagram declaring his admiration. The 37-year-old admitted it was hard to see such a good player leave the club but insisted Liverpool could not stand in the way of his dream. Gerrard posted on Instagram: '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.' In response to Gerrard's message, Coutinho said: 'Steve, thanks so much for your kind words. It was an honour for m...

Phillipe Coutinho has signed for Barcelona in a five year deal, the Catalan club has confirmed, with the fee believed to be 160 million euros. In what is the second most expensive transfer ever after Neymar's move to Paris Saint-Germain, 120 million euros is to be paid up front with another 40 million performance related. The Brazilian is expected to be presented at the Camp Nou on Monday, which will conclude a transfer saga that dragged on throughout last summer with Liverpool then adamant that they would not allow their key creative midfielder to leave.Coutinho did put in a transfer request but it did not sway the Livepool board but now the persistence of Barcelona and the player has seen the move finally come to fruition.  Barcelona have brought in the player despite him not being eligible for the Champions League this season, having already been fielded by Liverpool.