Jurgen Klopp has attempted to explain Liverpool’s decision to sell Philippe Coutinho.
Barcelona finalised a £142 million deal for Coutinho on Saturday that brought their 14-month courtship of the Reds playmaker to a successful conclusion.
Anfield officials rejected three bids from the Catalans last summer for the Brazil international, who also submitted a transfer request to try and force a move.
But Klopp admits that Liverpool faced an unwinnable battle in their efforts to dissuade Coutinho from ultimately pursuing a switch to the Nou Camp.
He 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.
“Philippe has made a fantastic contribution to this club over his five years of service and as disappointed as we are he doesn’t want to extend that, the relationship we have for him means with a heavy heart we wish him well.”
The Liverpool manager also sought to reassure supporters that his side would also evolve beyond the end of Coutinho’s five-year spell on Merseyside.
“We have never been in a better position in recent times, as a club, to react in the right way,” added Klopp.
“We will use our size and strength to absorb moments like this and still move forward.
“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.
“I have so much belief in the talent we have here already and even more faith, together with our owners, that we will make continued investment into the playing squad, which will allow more growth and more improvement.
“So as we bid farewell to Philippe, we continue on our path of progress and development as we work towards our common goal of bringing trophies back to Anfield.”