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Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez. Just mentioning their names together conjures images of the two incredible attacking players running riot over the rest of the Premier League, coming this close to finally delivering the long-sought league title to the Red half of Merseyside in that incredible 2013/14 season.
Well, the two fantastic attacking players met up before the Manchester City-Barcelona clash on Tuesday night. The meeting immediately led to a rash of Coutinho to Barca rumour mongering in the tabloids, but Phil insists it was just a meeting between two friends and former teammates. At least that’s what he told liverpoolfc.com:
It was very good - it is always nice to see Luis. He is a very close friend, but to be honest this happened because three friends of mine asked for tickets to watch the match!
I met with him, we hugged each other and he saw my daughter again. He had the opportunity to come back to Liverpool to visit previously and meet my daughter, so we got together again this time and took some pictures. It was very nice.
He is very happy. He has a very big passion for this football club and follows us from a distance, so he is very happy with our journey so far and supports us from there.
It’s OK. Breathe deeply. They’re just friends, right? Barcelona couldn’t possibly want a player who is currently creating goals and assists for fun, right? Right?
Of course, there’s every chance that Coutinho could be convinced to leave Anfield for Camp Nou, especially if he continues on his current blistering form. If anything, Suarez’s departure should teach us to appreciate Phil’s ascendant talent this season. And it should teach the other players at the club that they actually need to win something while he’s here.
All of this is to say that this article was really just an excuse to post this photo. Enjoy.