Phil Thompson tells Philippe Coutinho what to do if he gets a Champions League winners medal
Philippe Coutinho must reject the offer of a Champions League winners medal if Liverpool go all the way, Phil Thompson has said.
The Brazilian forward left Anfield for Barcelona during the January transfer window, however he would be eligible to receive a medal – a prospect all the more possible after Liverpool overcame Manchester City in the quarter-finals.
Uefa hand 40 gold medals to the winners of the tournament which the club can distribute as they see fit.
Uefa rule on medals
The winning team is presented with forty gold medals and the runner-up with forty silver medals. Additional medals may not be produced.
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They may deem Coutinho worthy, with the 25-year-old scoring five goals and providing two assists during the group stage to help the Reds progress to the knock-out phase.
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But according to Thompson, a former Liverpool player, coach and European Cup winner, Coutinho doesnt deserve the medal and should turn it down.
He left Liverpool to go to Barcelona knowing he wasnt going to play Champions League football.
I got a medal in 1977 for Liverpool because I played up until the semi-finals.
I dont count that as a winners medal. I have that in my house in a cabinet but I say wherever I go Ive only two European Cup winners medals.
Id like to think if theres anything about Coutinho, if they do go on to win it, he says “no, I dont deserve that”.
And he wouldnt be. I dont care, its wrong.
More reaction to Liverpool's win over Man City…
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Thompson showed his love of Liverpool last night with his wild celebration on Sky Sports as Mohamed Salah equalised against Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopps side will find out on Friday who they will face in the semi-finals. Roma are through with Real Madrid taking on Juventus and Bayerrn Munich playing Sevilla tonight.
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