text: Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has admitted being left feeling 'sad' after the club lost patience and decided to sell Philippe Coutinho to Liverpool. The Brazil playmaker arrived at Anfield for just £8.5million in 2013 and has progressed to become one of the Premier League's most revered players, including a nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award this term. Inter signed Coutinho as a teenager from Brazilian club Vasco de Gama, but he failed to establish himself at the San Siro despite being handed his debut by Rafa Benitez as an 18-year-old. Philippe Coutinho has starred for Liverpool since moving from Inter Milan in 2013 . The Brazil playmaker has been nominated for the PFA Player of the Season this term . Speaking to Sky Italia, Ausilio said: 'He was just 18 when he arrived at the club from Vasco. 'Then came Benitez and the expectations were very high. Rafa used him on the flanks in a 4-2-3-1 formation. 'He was not playing much and we lacked patience so we decided to sell him. 'I would like young players to grow and succeed here; when I seen them play for other clubs, it makes me sad.' Coutinho made his Inter Milan debut at 18, but was underused at the San Siro before being sold for £8.5m .
target: Philippe Coutinho has been nominated for PFA Player of the Year .
  Brazil international arrived at Liverpool from Inter Milan for £8.5m in 2013 .
  Serie A side admit they should have shown more patience with Reds star .