Jurgen Klopp has lifted the lid on Liverpool’s “difficult” decision to part with Philippe Coutinho in January 2018, with the Reds begrudgingly sanctioning a €120 million (£106m/$130m) move to Barcelona.
Those at Anfield had initially resisted efforts on the part of a Brazilian playmaker to push through a dream switch to Camp Nou.
They even had Coutinho tied down on a new contract at one stage, but those terms merely delayed the inevitable.
Editors' Picks
Once it became clear that the 27-year-old’s head had been turned, Liverpool agreed to part with a top talent when the right opportunity for all concerned presented itself.