So, it’s official - Philippe Coutinho has signed for Barcelona.

Liverpool will pocket £142 million but they have lost their star man halfway through a season where they’ve got plenty of play for.

And there are plenty of questions being asked by Liverpool fans about the deal.

Who’s decision was it to sell? Why did Liverpool’s stance change from ‘not for sale’ to ‘happy to sell’ in the space of five months? Why was Coutinho was desperate to leave midway through a campaign?

Well, after the move was confirmed, Jurgen Klopp did his best to answer all of the questions.

In a lengthy interview on the club’s official website, Klopp explained why Liverpool had very little choice but to sell the Brazilian during the winter transfer window - because he insisted he was desperate to leave.

KLOPP EXPLAINS WHY LIVERPOOL SOLD COUTINHO

“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 said.

“It is no secret that Philippe has wanted this move to happen since July, when Barcelona first made their interest known.

“Philippe was insistent with me, the owners and even his teammates this was a move he was desperate to make happen.

“Despite that, we managed to keep the player here beyond the summer window, hoping that we would be able to persuade him to stay and be part of what we are looking to do.

“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. It is his dream and I am now convinced there is nothing left at our disposal to change his mind.

“Of course, it is totally understandable that supporters will be disappointed; this is always the case when you have to say goodbye to someone special. But, as hard as it is sometimes to accept, it is part of life and part of football – individuals have their own dreams and their own goals and objectives in life.

“I have been here long enough now to know in the history of Liverpool, key players have left before – but the club always goes on. You cannot transfer the heart and soul of Liverpool Football Club, although I am sure there are many clubs who would like to buy it."

It's nice that a manager has come out and explained exactly why a club has sold one of their best players.

Liverpool fans will no doubt appreciate that - even if they're still angry with the decision to let him leave.