Coutinho farewell letter: Heartfelt appreciation or PR spin?

Philippe Coutinho shared a farewell post to Liverpool fans after his £145 million move to Barcelona. But is it heartfelt thanks or is it just PR spin?

I know you’re probably sick of hearing about Philippe Coutinho. Yet he had a huge impact in his 5 years at the club as he ascended to be one of the best players in the world. Now his time at Anfield is over and he has posted his farewell thoughts on his Instagram feed.

It is a well written and thoughtful post; clearly seeking to build bridges and keep relationships with Liverpool Football Club and the fans. Despite the quality of the words many are calling into question the motivation of the post. Is is heartfelt or is it simply PR spin?

It hits many points that will resonate with the fanbase. Mentioning the ‘unique hear and soul’ of Liverpool echoes how most fans feel about the City. He also goes out of his way to wish the team continued success.

The part I appreciated most was about how choosing to experience something new is not about diminishing what Liverpool is and what has happened. I think that is an important sentiment that usually goes missing when fans talk about players. We only see things from our side.

However, Coutinho did not write this. Perhaps he wrote something similar in Portuguese and it was translated but nobody believes this is his English. Also it reads like it is written by someone who is paid to write words. Perhaps a Barcelona official, more likely a Nike copywriter in Portland OR.

Next: Fans overjoyed as Liverpool star unfollows Coutinho

I believe it is a combination of both, his sentiment delivered through a corporate machine. But that is football these days. This should be the last we hear about Coutinho. Apart from when he makes his first start. Or scores his first goal. Or bangs home his first free kick. Sigh.