Philippe Coutinho says Thiago Alcantara played a huge role in him signing on loan for Bayern Munich this season.
And the decision paid off for both players, who won the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night.
Former Liverpool star Coutinho was down and out at Barcelona before Bayern offered him a lifeline, and he moved to Bavaria for the season.
Coutinho was unsure about doing so as his heart was set on being successful with Barcelona, but Thiago - who is now a Liverpool target - assured him he was making the right decision.
So Coutinho took the leap.
Coutinho told Sport at the time: "This move means a new challenge for me in a new country at one of the best clubs in Europe.
"Like Bayern, I have big aims and am convinced I can achieve these with my new team."
"I spoke to a few people about Bayern, especially Thiago because he's got a Brazilian passport and speaks Portuguese.
"I also spoke to Rafinha, who played here and I also heard a lot of good things from Lucio.
"Pulling on the Bayern jersey is a big responsibility. It's a club with a rich tradition and the number 10 shirt belongs to Arjen Robben, who was a huge icon in the game.
"It's a big responsibility. I hope I can work in peace and fulfill the expectations."
Coutinho has had a very positive season in Germany.
He netted twice against his parent club Barcelona in Bayern's 8-2 victory in the quarter-final of the Champions League, and then went on to win the competition.
Both players look set to leave Bayern this month, with Coutinho returning to Barcelona to decide his future and Thiago moving to the Brazilian's former side Liverpool.
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