Thiago hailed as 'future Liverpool boss' as fans think they've worked out what he said to Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Thiago Alcantara has been hailed as a 'future Liverpool manager' after fans worked out what he said to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Thiago left Liverpool when his contract expired at the end of last season, and days later he decided to retire from professional football.

The 33-year-old Spanish midfielder spent four years at Anfield, but injury limited him to just five minutes of game-time in his final season.

Thiago joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in 2020, where he won seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League.

Before moving to Germany he spent four years at Barcelona, featuring in Pep Guardiola's all-conquering side.

Thiago surprised fans by taking up a coaching role immediately after announcing his retirement.

The Spaniard has joined the coaching staff of his former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick, who is now the manager of Barcelona.

The former Liverpool star was with the Barca squad for their pre-season tour in the United States, where he had chance to catch up with former teammates and opponents from his glittering playing career.

On Tuesday evening Barca played out a 2-2 draw with AC Milan in Baltimore, before losing 3-4 on penalties.

Behind-the-scenes footage captured Thiago and Barca striker Robert Lewandowski catching up with former AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is now working as an advisor to the Italian club's ownership.

Thiago- Getty

Thiago played with the Swede at Barcelona during the 2009-10 campaign, before the striker returned to Italy.

The footage shows Ibrahimovic saying "it's not English" with his arm around Thiago, with the Spaniard appearing to reply "No, no, scouser."

An edited clip has emerged with a voice dubbed over the top, but Thiago's mouth movements do suggest that he did say "scouser".

Predictably, Liverpool fans were delighted.

"I love this man," one fan commented on X, while another wrote: "What a guy!"

On Reddit, one fan said: "I would have given him everything. Mostly every muscle in my body to replace his. So gifted."

Another fan lamented the fact that Thiago was not given a role at Anfield, replying: "He should've been part of our staff."

One fan went as far as to predict that Thiago could be a "future Liverpool manager."