Jurgen Klopp provided an immediate reaction to the news that Liverpool and Barcelona reached an agreement for the sale of Philippe Coutinho on Saturday.
The German manager insisted his club did “everything” in its power to try and convince the attacking midfielder that his future remained on Merseyside, but that the player was “insistent with me, the owners, and even his teammates this was a move he was desperate to make happen.”
“It is with great reluctance that we – as a team and club – prepare to say farewell to a good friend, a wonderful person and a fantastic player in Philippe Coutinho,” Klopp’s statement began.
“It is no secret that Philippe has wanted this move to happen since July, when Barcelona first made their interest known.”
The reported cost of the deal is an initial £105 million. The fee would then bloat to £142 million (€160 million) after the following payments:
£17 million after Coutinho plays 100 matches for Barcelona
£4.4 million for Champions League qualification in each of his first two seasons
£4.4 million if Barcelona wins the Champions League
Related – Poll: Should Liverpool fans be happy with €160M for Coutinho?
“I can tell the Liverpool supporters that we, as a club, have done everything within our means to convince Philippe that remaining part of LFC was as attractive as moving to Spain, but he is 100 per cent certain his future – and that of his family – belongs at Barcelona,” Klopp continued. “It is his dream and I am now convinced there is nothing left at our disposal to change his mind.
“Philippe has made a fantastic contribution to this club over his five years of service and as disappointed as we are he doesn’t want to extend that, the relationship we have for him means with a heavy heart we wish him well.”
Despite Coutinho sitting out Liverpool’s matches with a supposed injury since the January transfer window opened, Klopp stressed that the Brazilian’s commitment on the pitch, in training, and to the club cannot be questioned. He also said Liverpool’s “aggressive progression” is unwavering despite Coutinho’s departure, and that with the board he will oversee “continued investment into the playing squad, which will allow more growth and more improvement.”
With another year in the books, theScore takes a look back and ranks the most thrilling contests from the last 12 months:
10. Benevento 2-2 AC Milan: Dec. 3
It wasn’t a classic spectacle, but the result will go down in Serie A lore as Italian minnow Benevento captured its first-ever point in the top flight at the expense of one of the country’s most storied teams, AC Milan. After setting the record for the worst start to a season in Europe’s top five leagues by losing its opening 14 contests, Benevento finally gave its fans something to smile about when goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli’s dramatic 95th-minute equaliser secured the historic point.
9. Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United: Dec. 2
Antonio Valencia’s opener in the 11th minute quickly sucked the excitement out of the Emirates Stadium when Manchester United visited Arsenal in early December. However, supporters in attendance couldn’t have asked for much more over the the next 79 minutes as Arsenal desperately attempted to mount a comeback only to be denied by a superb display from David De Gea, who tied the record for saves made (14) by a goalkeeper in a single Premier League match.
8. Roma 3-2 Lazio: April 4
Roma was left heartbroken after a scintillating contest with local rival Lazio in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, which saw the two sides play out one of the more memorable cup matches of the season. Lazio’s 2-0 aggregate lead looked safe until Roma poured on the pressure, with Mohammed Salah leading the charge for the Giallorossi. Yet, his stoppage time winner wasn’t enough as earlier goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ciro Immobile maintained the Aquile’s aggregate advantage.
7. Arsenal 3-3 Liverpool: Dec. 22
Five minutes is all Arsenal needed to erase a two-goal deficit before taking the lead on a stunned Liverpool. A minute after Salah put the Reds up 2-0 to begin the second frame, goals from Alexis Sanchez, Granit Xhaka, and Mesut Ozil saw the host grab a 3-2 lead. However, Roberto Firmino prevented the home side from capturing three points when his powerful effort found its way into the back of the net.
6. RB Leipzig 4-5 Bayern Munich: May 13
With hopes of completing a dream debut season in Germany’s top flight with a Bundesliga trophy already gone, RB Leipzig looked as though it was well on its way to securing a historic win over Bayern Munich. But the recently promoted club coughed up a pair of two-goal leads before Arjen Robben completed the spectacular comeback with a 95th-minute winner.
5. Manchester City 5-3 AS Monaco: Feb. 21
The Kylian Mbappe coming-out party was in full swing when AS Monaco paid a visit to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16. But, after the French teenager put Monaco up 2-1, City stormed back with four goals in the second half. Monaco produced a similarly heroic performance in the return match and progressed on away goals after bringing the aggregate score level at 6-6 after 180 minutes.
4. Real Madrid 2-3 Barcelona: April 23
The final Clasico of the 2016-17 season didn’t disappoint. With Real Madrid enjoying an advantage atop the table with just a handful of matches remaining, the capital city appeared as though it would avoid a loss when James Rodriguez cancelled out Ivan Rakitic’s go-ahead goal. Lionel Messi had other plans, as the Argentine scored a dramatic winner in stoppage time before celebrating with his top held up for the adoring Barcelona fans perched up high at the Santiago Bernabeu.
3. Panama 2-1 Costa Rica
Panama’s victory to clinch a spot in the 2018 World Cup may be best remembered for the phantom goal that brought the country level with Costa Rica. But it’s Roman Torres’ goal with three minutes left that ultimately sent supporters into a frenzy as the nation’s victory, combined with the United States’ loss to Trinidad and Tobago, secured Panama’s place in the sport’s marquee event for the first time ever.
2. Borussia Dortmund 4-4 Schalke: Nov. 25
Derbies don’t get much better than the eight-goal thriller in the season’s first Revierderby. Borussia Dortmund was cruising after 25 minutes up 4-0, as the club attempted to end a five-match winless run. Hopes of grabbing three points began to dwindle after the hour mark. Guido Burgstaller’s goal was followed by another two before Naldo capped off the fireworks with an equaliser in the fourth minute of injury time.
1. Barcelona 6-1 Paris Saint-Germain: March 8
Paris Saint-Germain looked destined to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League after thumping Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg – a deficit no team had overturned in the competition. Even as the Blaugrana cut the aggregate score to 5-3, there were few who thought Luis Enrique’s men were capable of overturning the tie. That’s until Neymar’s brace brought the Camp Nou to life before Sergi Roberto completed the unbelievable comeback with a lunging volley to give Barcelona the unlikeliest of victories.
The calendar year is nearing its end, and with it, we bid farewell to 12 months of football rife with brilliant individual performances and stellar team efforts, and damaging demonstrations and disastrous displays.
With that in mind, theScore is looking back at 25 moments that defined world football in 2017:
Giroud kicks off the year with Puskas-winning scorpion kick
It was equal parts audacious, astounding, and awesome, and earned Olivier Giroud the Puskas Award by year’s end. But for the Arsenal man, a goal could not have been struck more sweetly to kick off the new year than this.
Wayne Rooney surpasses Sir Bobby Charlton with 250 goals
At the top of the year, Wayne Rooney was approaching a club record at Manchester United, having tied Sir Bobby Charlton at 249 goals. By the end of January, Rooney scored his 250th, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer.
Schweinsteiger asked if Chicago will make World Cup
When Bastian Schweinsteiger joined the Chicago Fire, one reporter asked if his presence might help the club qualify for the World Cup. Huh? The odd (and ill-informed) question left Bastian laughing … along with the rest of us.
Canada, USA, Mexico announce joint bid for 2026 World Cup
In a historic moment for CONCACAF, the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican soccer federations announced a bold plan to joint-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the U.S. hosting the majority of the competition’s headlining fixtures.
Borussia Dortmund team hit by explosive devices
Marc Bartra was hurt by shards of glass as three explosions went off by the Borussia Dortmund team bus ahead of a Champions League tilt with AS Monaco. This terror incident made international headlines in April.
John Terry announces Chelsea departure
After 22 years of service at Chelsea, captain John Terry called it time on his stay at Stamford Bridge in 2017. He made 713 appearances, but didn’t leave to retire, instead joining Championship outfit Aston Villa.
Messi lifts shirt to Real Madrid crowd after scoring 500th goal
(Photo courtesy: @iam_Kashmoneyy)
One of the most memorable photos of 2017 came when Lionel Messi scored his 500th goal with a dramatic late winner against Real Madrid in El Clasico. He lifted his shirt up high, his name now truly cemented in football lore.
AS Monaco pips PSG to win Ligue 1
A new crop of superstars were born in Monaco as Leonardo Jardim’s side pipped Paris Saint-Germain to claim its first Ligue 1 title since 1999-2000. The team was led by 18-year-old Kylian Mbappe, who scored the title-winning goal.
Messi loses Supreme Court appeal for tax fraud
Messi may be an alien on the field, but Spanish tax authorities didn’t treat him any differently than any other suspect as the Barcelona superstar was found guilty of evading taxes to the tune of $6.1 million.
Francesco Totti plays final match for AS Roma
Twenty-four years a loyal servant of AS Roma, Francesco Totti finally called it a day in 2017, hanging up his boots and leaving behind a legacy unmatched in Italy’s capital. Totti retired at 40 and the city actually wept.
Real Madrid successfully defends Champions League crown
Real Madrid became the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles this year, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a brace as his side defeated Juventus 4-1 in the final.
Bradley Lowery passes away
After a lengthy battle with a rare form of cancer, Sunderland supporter Bradley Lowery passed away on July 7. His best friend, England striker Jermain Defoe, wrote that Lowery’s “courage and bravery will inspire me for the rest of my life.”
Rooney admits wearing Everton PJs for 13 years
Rooney has a secret, one he’s kept for the last 13 years: “I’ve actually been wearing Everton pajamas at home with my kids,” admitted the Manchester United icon, who returned to his childhood club Everton in 2017.
PSG signs Neymar for world-record fee
PSG shocked the world and changed the transfer market as we know it by spending €222 million to acquire Neymar from Barcelona. The Brazil superstar became the most expensive player in the world due to this unthinkable deal.
Juan Mata kicks off Common Goal initiative
Perhaps in response to the astronomical fees being paid this summer, United midfielder Juan Mata launched an initiative called Common Goal, pledging one percent of his salary to charity and urging other footballers to do the same.
Diego Costa finally gets his Atletico return
It was the transfer saga that just wouldn’t end, until it finally did on Sept. 26 as Chelsea and Atletico Madrid confirmed an agreement to transfer wantaway striker Diego Costa back to the Spanish capital in January.
Sergio Aguero breaks a rib in car accident
(Photo courtesy: KaWijko Media/Handout via REUTERS)
Manchester City fans received some shock news on Sept. 29 as star striker Sergio Aguero was involved in a serious car accident and suffered a broken rib. Aguero was out for around two months before returning to full fitness.
Iceland qualifies for 2018 FIFA World Cup
Iceland became the smallest nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup after topping Group I of UEFA’s qualification stage. The nation of roughly 300,000 had already won the hearts of neutrals at Euro 2016 with its Viking Clap.
USA fails to qualify for 2018 FIFA World Cup
Uh-oh. Not good. The U.S. men’s national team suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago and thus failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It was a failure that sent shockwaves through the U.S. as calls for change finally arose.
Hope Solo accuses Sepp Blatter of sexual harassment
Former U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Hope Solo alleged that ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter had sexually assaulted her during a FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony, telling Tribuna Expresso: “I had Sepp Blatter grab my ass.”
Buffon retires after Italy fails to qualify for World Cup
Italy crumbled to a shock World Cup qualifying failure with a 1-0 aggregate loss to Sweden in UEFA’s play-off round, thus ending the international career of Gianluigi Buffon, the country’s most iconic goalkeeper. Holding back tears, Buffon said: “I’m sorry. Not for me but for Italy. We blew something that could have meant so much. The only regret is that it ended like this.”
Chapecoense qualifies for 2018 Copa Libertadores
One year after a devastating plane crash killed most of the team’s players and staff, Chapecoense qualified for the 2018 Copa Libertadores. This incredible story of community, perseverance, and rebirth was truly inspiring.
Ronaldo declares himself the best in history
“You will go and say that I have a big head, but when you’re at the top, it’s normal that you’re criticised … I am the best player in history, in both good and bad times.” – Cristiano Ronaldo, after winning his fifth Ballon d’Or.
“There is no one more complete than me.”
Toronto FC wins MLS Cup, completing historic treble
From the “worst team in the world” to Major League Soccer’s greatest ever, Toronto FC finally won its first MLS Cup in 2017, as well as the Supporters’ Shield, the Canadian Championship, and the league’s points record.
Manchester City sets new EPL record winning streak
Manchester City dominated headlines in December as Pep Guardiola’s men racked up win after win after win … until the club actually set the English record for most consecutive wins with a 15th straight victory on Dec. 13.
With transfer fees rising and players taking on new initiatives, the past year has forever changed football. Here, theScore ranks the sport’s most influential people of 2017:
25. Charlie Stillitano
Armed with a Rolodex of contacts in the game – from Paolo Maldini to Sir Alex Ferguson and Pele – Charlie Stillitano has emerged as one of football’s leading fixers. The 46-year-old helped stage El Clasico in Miami last summer as part of his world-renowned International Champions Cup, which drew 140 million viewers.
24. Eniola Aluko
English international Eniola Aluko shook the Football Association to its core after sharing accounts of racism and bullying with the press. Aluko’s accusations of abuse against head coach Mark Sampson were initially met with little reaction from the FA. When the time came to dismiss Sampson, the governing body cited separate allegations as the reasoning. Regardless, Aluko’s testimony helped expose the out-of-touch FA.
23. Bradley Lowery
Six-year-old Bradley Lowery captured the hearts of millions as he bravely fought a rare form of cancer. He raised more than £1 million in donations, forged a strong relationship with former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, and served as a mascot for the English national team before passing away in July. Thousands attended his funeral in north England as tributes from around the world poured in.
22. Gerard Pique
Gerard Pique is now a prominent figure in both politics and sports. Despite never making his leanings clear, Pique has long been painted as a Catalan separatist. But he has always defended the people’s right to vote, and when the autonomous region held a referendum on independence earlier this year, Pique became a lightning rod for criticism.
21. Richard Scudamore
Having secured the Premier League’s current £5.12-billion television deal, chairman Richard Scudamore has the future of England’s top flight in his hands. He’ll oversee the bidding process for the next batch of TV rights and determine how much of a share England’s biggest clubs will get. Scudamore will have a narrow tightrope to navigate, as more clubs from the third and fourth tiers demand a bigger chunk of the TV pie.
20. Josep Maria Bartomeu
It wasn’t so long ago that Barcelona supporters clamoured for club president Josep Maria Bartomeu to leave. With Neymar slipping away and Lionel Messi’s contract situation unresolved, the club looked to be on the verge of collapse. Bartomeu suffered another setback in October, ignoring calls to suspend a match against Las Palmas as locals clashed with authorities.
But criticism has relented. One of his most criticised signings, Paulinho, has scored big goals, and manager Ernesto Valverde has proven to be an inspiring choice.
19. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has a legacy that extends beyond the club he works for. As president of the European Club Association (ECA), the 62-year-old ensured teams would be compensated for sending players to major tournaments. And as chairman of Bayern Munich, Rummenigge has managed to keep the Bundesliga giant competitive while resisting the temptation to spend as much as its Premier League equivalents.
18. The Glazers
Manchester United’s relationship with the Glazer family is a difficult one to distinguish. Each of the late Malcolm Glazer’s six children owns a stake in the club, and supporters will cringe at the thought of them taking home a £15-million dividend each year. But Avram and Joel Glazer, who are listed as co-chairmen, have made the funds available for United to compete on the ever-growing transfer market. The Red Devils have also enjoyed record revenues under the Glazers’ watch.
17. Marina Granovskaia
With Roman Abramovich taking a less prominent role in Chelsea’s daily affairs, it’s been the job of Russian businesswoman and close advisor Marina Granovskaia to direct the club. Granovskaia has curbed Chelsea’s overall spending and resisted the temptation to enter bidding wars, resulting in a £15.3-million profit for the year. She reportedly conducted more than 500 negotiations over the summer, further highlighting her importance to the Blues and football in Greater London.
16. Juan Mata
Few footballers do as much good outside the sport as Juan Mata. The humble Spanish midfielder co-founded the Common Goal initiative earlier this year, donating 1 percent of his salary to football-related charities. It has since added more than 30 professionals to its network, including Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini, U.S. internationals Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, and Bayern’s Mats Hummels.
15. Florentino Perez
As president of the fifth-most valuable sports team, Florentino Perez has considerable clout. The 70-year-old isn’t so concerned with “Galactico” signings as he is with Real Madrid’s stability, and with that peace of mind Los Blancos have won consecutive Champions League titles. But the time for change is approaching. Perez will likely decide whether Cristiano Ronaldo retires in the Spanish capital, as well as who will replace the declining Karim Benzema.
14. Andrea Agnelli
Andrea Agnelli’s profile in the game has skyrocketed since he became chairman of Juventus in 2010. Agnelli has slowly rebuilt the club using a sensible business approach, cutting down on debt year after year while growing the brand and raising its budget. Now president of the ECA, the 42-year-old has a responsibility to protect and promote the priorities of Europe’s top clubs. Agnelli is also a big reason why Serie A regained a fourth Champions League berth.
13. Neymar
Neymar has become more than just a footballer. He’s now the face of Qatar’s push into sport and the biggest symbol yet of the modern game. Although he isn’t solely responsible for the price paid, his €222-million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain shifted the axis of power in European football.
On an individual level, the 25-year-old is a massive influence both inside and out of his native Brazil. He counts more than 100 million followers on Twitter and Instagram, and as his country’s best player, he’ll harbour the hopes of millions more at the 2018 World Cup.
12. Jose Mourinho
One of the most divisive personalities in world football, Jose Mourinho is always good for a quote and headline. Few managers are as combative and cantankerous with the press as the Portuguese; even fewer have won as much as he has. Mourinho often verges on hypocrisy, and his commitment to defensive football hardly wins over fans, but he continues to dominate the conversation about titles and tactics.
11. Aleksander Ceferin
If European football is to grow, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin will have something do with it. As PSG spends wads of cash and wannabe contenders try to keep up, Ceferin has focused on strengthening and enforcing Financial Fair Play rules. But the qualified lawyer also wants to limit squad sizes, restrict the number of loan moves a single club can make, shorten the transfer window, and establish a salary cap.
10. Andy Woodward
It was more than a year ago when former Crewe Alexandra defender Andy Woodward brought to light horrific accounts of sexual abuse, but the impact of his testimony is still being felt today. With 748 victims coming forward and 285 suspects identified – including a new raft of charges against convicted paedophile Barry Bennell – Woodward has inspired action. The Guardian’s Daniel Taylor helped Woodward shed the stigma through steadfast reporting and compassionate storytelling.
9. Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola’s effect on Manchester City is plain to see. Not only has it set a new English record for consecutive victories, City has also played some of the best football ever witnessed in the Premier League.
Guardiola has had boatloads of cash to spend, but he’s also improving each of his millionaire footballers. Kevin De Bruyne is now a threat from deeper positions, and Leroy Sane is emerging as one of the world’s most efficient wingers. Guardiola isn’t just in the business of winning, he’s one of the game’s best educators.
8. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi had an eventful 2017. He got married to his childhood sweetheart before helping Argentina avoid the embarrassment of missing the World Cup. Now he’s a integral part of Barcelona’s 25-match unbeaten streak. The 30-year-old is always in the news.
But 2018 is perhaps his biggest year yet. The upcoming World Cup will have a huge impact on his legacy and whether he will be regarded as the greatest player of all time.
7. Mino Raiola
He may not be the richest or have the biggest list of clients, but Mino Raiola is certainly one of football’s most powerful super-agents. He nearly tempted Gianluigi Donnarumma to leave AC Milan for PSG, and brokered Romelu Lukaku’s £75-million move to United. His abrasive approach to negotiations has made him plenty of enemies, including Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Milan sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
Self-described as the “best player in history,” Ronaldo is sure of his place in the game. That singular focus and confidence made him the player he is today. Despite trailing Messi for quite some time, Ronaldo is now level with the Argentine on five Ballons D’Or. He continues to be one of the world’s most marketable athletes, pulling in nearly $1 billion from sponsorships over the last year.
5. Jorge Mendes
Jorge Mendes boasts an impressive stable of players, including Ronaldo, James Rodriguez, Diego Costa, Angel Di Maria, Bernardo Silva, and Falcao. His clients’ contracts are worth nearly $1 billion, according to Forbes, and he’s fostered close relationships with some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
However, Mendes’ most interesting project is happening at second-tier Wolverhampton. After facilitating Chinese conglomerate Fosun’s takeover, Mendes brokered the transfer of highly rated midfielder Ruben Neves to the club. The result? First place in the Championship.
4. Constantin Dumitrascu
The polar opposite of Raiola and Mendes is the mysterious Constantin Dumitrascu, whom Forbes listed as the most powerful sports agent of 2017. He has reportedly earned $107.8 million in commission and negotiated more than $1 billion in contracts.
“Dumitrascu prefers a business-like approach to looking after the welfare of his clients,” Forbes said. “Clubs tend to prefer quiet negotiators like Dumitrascu.”
Not much is actually known about Dumitrascu, and whether he fully represents players like Edinson Cavani, N’Golo Kante, and Philippe Coutinho.
3. Gianni Infantino
Despite professing to be an agent of change, Gianni Infantino seems to have kept the status quo as president of FIFA. His close association with Vitaly Mutko – the supposed mastermind of Russia’s state-sponsored doping ring – and the suspicious removal of members of the independent ethics committee raised yet more eyebrows. Infantino has a progressive position on a number of issues, including video technology and a 48-team World Cup, but the spectre of corruption is still hanging over FIFA.
2. Sheikh Mansour
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan isn’t just interested in the growth of Manchester City. The deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates has established a portfolio of football clubs from east Manchester to New York and Australia.
La Liga side Girona is the latest to join Mansour’s growing network of clubs, with City, NYCFC, Melbourne Heart, Club Atletico Torque, and Yokohama F Marinos all under the City Football Group umbrella. Mansour’s development of the £200-million Etihad Campus has also enriched the local Manchester community, helping regenerate an area of the city that had gone to waste.
Football’s next great empire is in Mansour’s hands.
1. Nasser Al-Khelaifi
No person had a greater influence on football in 2017 than PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi. By meeting Neymar’s €222-million release clause, Khelaifi forever changed the transfer market. He then went ahead and sanctioned the €180-million move for Kylian Mbappe.
More than anything else, the signings strengthened Qatar’s hold on the European market. By virtue of his close relationship with the ruling family, Al-Khelaifi used PSG to promote his country’s image. It’s no coincidence Neymar and Mbappe arrived soon after gulf nations sanctioned Qatar over accusations of state-sponsored terrorism.
“When you think about Neymar as a brand, maybe it won’t be so expensive,” Al-Khelaifi said during Neymar’s unveiling. “We’re definitely going to make more money than we spent.”
