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Brazil international Firmino, 24, was linked with a number of Europe's top clubs in the build up to the summer transfer window after impressing for German club Hoffenheim.

Coutinho cornered Firmino while on international duty and urged his pal to join him at Anfield.

Weeks later Liverpool announced his transfer with the Anfield money-men handing Hoffenheim £29m - the third biggest signing in the club's history.

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Did Coutinho's chat make the difference?

"I don’t know if I had any influence on his arrival, but I gave him loads of incentive when I knew there was a possibility [of Firmino joining]," Coutinho told Sky Sports.

"I was in the national team with him and I told him: ‘You have to join’.

(Image: GETTY)

"The truth is, he’s a great player and I’m happy he is here.

"I am happy to be playing alongside these good players.

"As I always say being part of the national team in Brazil is a privilege and it is so hard to stay in the team because there are loads of players that are in Europe."