Brazil star Lucio has begged his ‘good friend’ Philippe Coutinho to turn down a move to Barcelona in favour of a prolonged stay at Liverpool, the Daily Express reports.
Recent reports in Spain have suggested that the Catalan giants have displayed an interest in the Reds star, with claims being made that he was being lined up as a potential replacement for Pedro over the summer when he left for Chelsea (via Express).
Barca’s director Robert Fernandez was also coy over a move for the 23-year-old, admitting he was a “good player with good conditions”.
However, former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan defender Lucio has told Coutinho that he believes he should stay put at Anfield.
“If it was my decision, I would stay. If I was Coutinho, I would not leave Liverpool,” he told IBTimes UK.
“Barcelona have several star players like Messi, Suarez and Neymar. If Coutinho joins Barcelona, he has to play wherever the coach wants him to play, which would be to fill in here and there.
“In the last season, Coutinho was the standout player for Liverpool. He can continue there and can go on to become a very big player for them.
“Regarding his future, it is a decision only Coutinho could take, but as a friend I would suggest him to stay at Liverpool.”
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