Coutinho was pursued by Barcelona last summer but Liverpool rejected several offers for the playmaker.

The Brazilian has seemingly put the disappointment of a failed move to the Nou Camp behind him, scoring nine times in 15 appearances for the Reds this season.

Former Liverpool midfielder Murphy did not blame Coutinho for wanting to leave Merseyside because he did not grow up as a Liverpool fan like he did.

And Murphy has praised the Brazilian for knuckling down at Anfield this season, showing the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid he has got great character.

“I wasn't angry with Coutinho at all, he's not like me. Liverpool isn't his team," Murphy told AskFans.

"I came out with something and people gave me stick - I wouldn't ever leave Liverpool for Barcelona, even if I was as good as Coutinho, because Liverpool was the only place I ever wanted to be.

"That's true, that's just me. It doesn't mean that's right, but that's me. But he's not brought up watching Liverpool with his old man.

"The Brazilian lads and Coutinho probably grew up thinking about Barca and Real more than he did Liverpool and United.

"I understand his thinking. I think he dealt with it quite well up until the last point when he was probably pushed into a corner to ask to leave. 

"What I do like about Philippe Coutinho, apart from his obvious talent, is how he's reacted. 

“There's not this whinging and poor body language. It says a lot about him.

"If I am watching from afar, as Barca or Madrid, you think he's got character. Full marks to him!"