COUTINHO HAS FINALLY OPENED UP ON HIS FAILED BARCA MOVE.

The Brazil midfielder put in a transfer request, and was even rumoured to be ready to go on strike to ensure he got a dream move to Barcelona.

The midfielder missed the opening three weeks of the season with a back injury that swiftly cleared up as soon as he went away on international duty.

But despite admitting he was “interested” in and “honoured” by Barcelona's bid to sign him, he gave an assurance to Liverpool and their supporters that he will do everything this season to deliver the trophies they crave.

Coutinho made his first start for the Reds after his failed attempt to leave the club in the 1-1 draw with Burnley, and he said: “Liverpool is a great club worldwide. I’m here and I will give my best as always.

“I am in a place that I have always been given respect by everyone and me too respect everyone.

I have conquered my space in four, five years and never had any problems with anyone – the fans, the board, my team-mates, the coaching staff.

“That has not changed. As I have said, in life, in every job you get an offer, interested or not. It is all in the past.”

Coutinho though, when speaking to ESPN Brazil, did not try to hide the fact that he was desperate to join Barcelona, but he added that he accepts it wasn't possible to move, and now he will attempt to rebuild bridges at Anfield.

The Brazilian even suggested that he has no offer on the table from Barca for January or next season. When asked if he will join his friend Luis Suarez at the Nou Camp next year, he replied: “Not that I know of.

“What happened was a job offer and, in life, sometimes you get interested; sometimes you don’t and, in my case, everyone knows that I got interested, my family too.

“But as I have always said, it is a great offer to receive an offer from such a great club like that. But it is also a great honour being here.

“It was a complicated month for me but as I have said, it is an honour to receive that offer but it is also an honour to wear this shirt, so what I can do is work hard and honour that on the field.

“It is all cool. I’m working hard, my thoughts are on the team’s goals, making a good season, with the national team too, doing my best to get there.”

Coutinho received a warm reception from the Anfield faithful when he made his first start of the season against Burnley.

But despite some mesmerising dribbling skills, he couldn't open up the visitors' stubborn defence, and was substituted after 79 minutes with what manager Jurgen Klopp later described as cramp.