Former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has rubbished suggestions that he influenced Philippe Coutinho's decision to join Barcelona during the winter transfer window. Coutinho had been on the Catalans radar since the start of the season, and he finally realised his move last week after the Reds agreed on a record £142m package for his sale.

Since then, Leiva has suggested that Coutinho would have a better preparation with Barcelona for World Cup finals in the summer as the Brazilian would not have to feature in the Champions League, where he is ineligible courtesy of his participation for the Reds in the same competition.

Leiva shared a fond bond with his compatriot during their five seasons together at Anfield, and a Twitter follower appeared to put the blame on the midfielder for urging Coutinho to move on. In an attempt to clear any misinterpretation, and Leiva personally responded to the person concerned to dissolve the matter.

He wrote: "Dear Patricia, I didn't encourage anyone and it is very sad to see comments like yours. We just need to be careful as I am his friend but I don't make decisions for him also he didn't make for me when I left LFC."

Leiva had been a credible servant for Liverpool for over a decade, but he found himself out of contention during Jurgen Klopp's reign where he was played in different positions including central defence. The ex-Gremio graduate was offered the option of staying for the final year of his contract, but he decided to move on with Lazio providing him a fresh challenge.

At the Capital outfit, Leiva has become a regular in the starting lineup, and he has made 18 starts in the Serie A for Simone Inzaghi's side, who are currently occupying the final Champions League position in the table.