Brazilian playmaker, Phillippe Coutinho has thanked Bayern Munich after his season-long loan spell in Germany officially came to an end.
He will be returning to Barcelona to team up with Ronald Koeman’s squad ahead of the new season. Coutinho said his goodbyes to the European champions, hoping for another crack at trying to make it with Barcelona.
Coutinho netted a brace for Bayern during Barca’s damaging 8-2 defeat in the quarter-finals of the UEFA CHmapions League the Bavarians eventually won. He came in from the bench to add to the Catalan’s club misery. He also made further contribution in the semi-finals against Lyon and finals against Paris Saint-Germain. His stay at the Allianz Arena ended with 38 appearances, 11 goals, and the treble of Bundesliga, DfB-Pokal and Champions League successes.
In an Instagram post, Coutinho expressed appreciation to everyone at the club and fans for his time there.
“I would like to thank all the fans, the staff and players for this season. It was truly an amazing year where I learnt so much and the final achievements with the treble unforgettable,” the former Liverpool man wrote.
“Thank you and all the best! MIA SAN MIA!”
Ronald Koeman might give Philipe Coutinho more playing time
Being aware of how much it cost Barca to acquire him from Liverpool, Bayern made no a little attempt to turn the 28-year-old’s loan stay into a permanent deal during his time at the club. This has led to speculations that he could be on the transfer market again this summer.
But he might be getting a new opportunity to impress at the Camp Now as new boss Ronald Koeman might give him the chance.
He is expected to also get more playing time in the midfield with the return of Ivan Rakitic to Sevilla. Furthermore, Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal are set to be shown the exit door. So, Coutinho is set to take up a position as a squad option for Koeman in the Dutchman’s opening weeks as manager.
This is because Koeman might not be ready to let the talented midfielder leave due to the turmoil around Lionel Messi currently. Losing another attacking option is unlikely for the Dutch tactician. So, he is expected to give Coutinho a fresh start in the team.
Meanwhile, should Coutinho stay at Barca, he might be given another squad number. His number 7 jersey is believed to have been inherited by Antoine Griezmann.
It was gathered that Frenchman has been keen on taking that number ever since he arrived in Catalonia. Koeman is believed to have granted him his request.
