Former Liverpool player Neil Mellor believes the Reds’ Champions League success might have delighted Phillipe Coutinho because of the Brazilian connection at the club.
The playmaker was outstanding during the final year of his career in the Premier League, attracting a transfer move from Barcelona to become the most expensive player that the Reds have ever sold.
As he left the club in January 2018, Coutinho suggested that his ambition was to play with a team who had realistic hopes of winning the Champions League.
After winning the European crown earlier this month, Coutinho may have some reason to feel regretful about his exit.
And according to Neil Mellow, the Barca star would still be happy Jurgen Klopp’s men won the trophy because of his countrymen Alisson, Fabinho and Firminio.
“That will be a question for him,” Mellor told americangambler.com when asked if Coutinho would be happy at Liverpool’s victory.
“But I think he will be happy for Alison, Fabinho and his Brazilian compatriots but maybe not so happy that his side were knocked out in the semi-finals the way that they were.”
“I think Coutinho was a great player for Liverpool and I really did enjoy watching him,” he added.
“He had creative influence to make things happen and of course, I was disappointed when he left.
“Leaving for Barcelona for whatever reason, he hasn’t shown the same quality at Barcelona that he did at Liverpool.
“One of the biggest compliments that you would give the current Liverpool side and Klopp, is that they didn’t really miss Coutinho.
“They went from competing for the top four to competing for a title without Couintho, and won the Champions League.
“He was a great player for Liverpool and loved watching him but he hasn’t been missed.”