Controversial celebration was liberating for me, says Coutinho

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Padraig Whelan·21 April 2019

Philippe Coutinho’s goal celebration against Manchester United did not go down too well with Barcelona fans.

He put his fingers in his ears after netting the third goal in the 3-0 win.

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However, that led to whistles for the Brazilian during the victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday night.

Coutinho has attempted to clarify his celebration and insisted it was not disrespectful.

“I have always been somebody who is respectful of everyone,” he told YouTube channel Koko.

“The celebration was to show that I have to block out the sound to focus on my job.

“That way it won’t affect me. It was like a liberation for me.”

Coutinho hasn’t hit the heights expected of him at the Camp Nou since arriving from Liverpool.