Philippe Coutinho thanks Liverpool fans after Barcelona move

Philippe Coutinho has said he hopes Liverpool fans "understand" his decision to move to Barcelona in an emotional post on social media.

The Brazilian forward, 25, completed his £142m move to the La Liga club on Monday after five years on Merseyside.

Coutinho said he could "never thank Liverpool fans enough" for their support and "will always cherish Liverpool in his heart".

He added that he leaves the Reds as playing for Barcelona "is a dream".

• How big a loss will Coutinho be for Liverpool?

Coutinho scored 54 goals in 201 games at Liverpool and he said he hope he had "delivered memories and moments that have brought happiness to the Liverpool supporters".

His Instagram post came on the day he was unveiled at Barcelona following a protracted move.

Liverpool rejected three Barcelona bids and a transfer request from the player during the summer transfer window.

Coutinho is now reported to have committed £11.5m of his own money to help facilitate the deal.

"I hope the supporters understand that choosing to experience something new is not about diminishing their importance to me or the club's importance," Coutinho added.

"Nothing will ever diminish that in my heart."

Coutinho statement in full

Since the moment I arrived in Liverpool, me and my family have been made to feel so welcome and have made so many friends.

On the pitch and off the pitch, we have experienced the beauty of this club and its fans. In turn, I hope I have delivered memories and moments that have brought happiness to the Liverpool supporters.

Moving to Liverpool, I knew the club's greatness and history but what I did learn during my time was the unique heart and soul of the place. It has its own personality and character.

I leave Liverpool because Barcelona is a dream for me. Liverpool was a dream that I was fortunate enough to realise and I have given five years of my life to it. A career on the pitch only lasts for so long and to play for Barcelona as well as Liverpool is something I want to experience and enjoy while I am blessed enough to be able to do so.

I hope the supporters understand that choosing to experience something new is not about diminishing their importance to me or the club's importance. Nothing will ever diminish that in my heart.

I wish Jurgen and the team nothing but joy and success for the rest of this season and beyond. This is an amazing team and they are getting better and better all the time.

There are too many people I want to thank, but I cannot name everyone individually.

To all the amazing club staff who have been part of my life in Liverpool - I will miss you. To the owners, whom have tried so hard to bring success, and to the football recruitment staff for showing faith in me to bring me here and rewarding me during that journey, and to my incredible team-mates, past and present, who have helped me grow and improve as a player and a person, I would like to say thank you to you all. Anything I have achieved here would not have been possible without you.

And finally, to the most important people of Liverpool - the Liverpool supporters. I can never thank you enough for what you have given me during this time and no matter where I go in the world, for the rest of my life, I will always cherish Liverpool in my heart. You, the club and the city will always be a part of me.

You'll Never Walk Alone.

Philippe