Philippe Coutinho has thanked Steven Gerrard for aiding his career after the Brazilian completed his move to Barcelona.
Coutinho sealed a £142m switch earlier this week, ending his five-year stay on Merseyside.
Following his departure, Liverpool legend Gerrard wished Coutinho well but admitted his sadness at his exit, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Coutinho has now responded to Gerrard’s parting message and thanked the iconic former Liverpool captain for all his help in making him the second most expensive player in football history.
He 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 you 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 @stevengerrard”.
Coutinho made 201 appearances for the Reds and scored 54 times in the process to become the highest scoring Brazilian in Premier League history.
In his Instagram post on Tuesday, Gerrard declared Coutinho to be one of the best footballers he had ever played with, and said he was “hurt” by the Brazil star’s decision to move to Barca.
“It hurts you have left because you are a special player,” said Gerrard. “Up there with the best I shared a pitch with.
“I want to wish you @phil.coutinho 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”.
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