It's official, Philippe Coutinho is no longer a Bayern Munich player.
The Brazilian international joined the Bundesliga giants on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona last summer but did not do enough to earn a permanent contract at the Allianz Arena.
He did play his part in helping Bayern conquer home and Europe by winning the treble - including a goal against his parent club in the Champions League - and has been thanked for his efforts in the 2019/20.
A statement via the club's official website reads:
"After the treble-winning season, FC Bayern says 'Thank you' and "Goodbye, take care" to Philippe Coutinho.
"The Brazil international, who joined Bayern on loan from Barcelona last August, returns to the Catalan side following the expiration of his season-long deal.
"Due to the suspension of matches resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown, the 28-year-old attacking midfielder’s contract at Bayern was extended to cover the end of the Champions League finals tournament in Lisbon."
"We would like to thank Philippe Coutinho very much," Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said. "With his creativity and excellent technique, he has invigorated our game during this treble-winning season."
"Even though FC Bayern and Philippe Coutinho are parting ways after just one season, his commitment in Munich has made it clear what an outstanding player he is," Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic added.
Prior to the announcement and subsequent tributes, Coutinho had taken to social media and penned a farewell message to the Bayern Munich fans, staff and players.
"I would like to thank all the fans, the staff and players for this season," he wrote on Instagram. "It was truly an amazing year where I learnt so much and the final achievements with the treble unforgettable.
"Thank you and all the best!
"MIA SAN MIA!"
Whilst Coutinho's returning to Barcelona is not a surprise, it does remain to be seen as to what the future holds for him amid links with a return to the Premier League this summer.
Bayern's decision not to sign the 28-year-old does leave the door open for Arsenal to make a move as head coach Mikel Arteta is on the market for a creative midfielder.
However, recent reports have claimed that new Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman is ready to hand Coutinho a chance to stake his claim for a first-team place.
