Another Brasilian Never Walks Alone
WELCOME TO LIVERPOOL,
PHILIPPE COUTINHO
WELCOME, COUTINHO
Liverpool Football Club are delighted to confirm the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Philippe Coutinho.
The 20-year-old becomes the Reds' second signing of the January transfer window after penning a long-term contract with the club and follows the arrival of Daniel Sturridge.
Afterwards, he explained to Liverpoolfc.com why he's delighted to have secured a switch to Anfield.
Coutinho said: "I'm feeling very happy, it's a very important step in my career and I'm expecting to come here and play good football to give my contribution on the pitch.
"Liverpool is a great club with great players. We've always heard about Liverpool's history in Brazil. They are the club that have been interested in me and that have showed this interest so I know they believe in me and my football."
Coutinho, who has one cap for Brazil, began his career at Vasco da Gama before moving to Inter Milan in 2010.
He has also spent time on loan in Spain at Espanyol.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said: "We're always delighted when we get the players we go after.
"It has been a successful transfer window for us, coming off the back of acquiring Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea and now Philippe from Inter Milan.
"I think that bodes well for us for the rest of the season and the future."
Coutinho will be the fifth Brazilian to represent Liverpool after Fabio Aurelio, Diego Cavalieri, Doni and Lucas Leiva.
EM PORTUGUÊS:
Reds confirmam a contratação de Coutinho
O Liverpool Football Club tem a satisfação de confirmar a contratação do meio-campista Philippe Coutinho junto à Inter de Milão.
O jogador de 20 anos torna-se o segundo reforço dos Reds na janela de transferências de Janeiro após assinar um contrato de longo prazo com o clube - o primeiro reforço foi Daniel Sturridge.
Depois da assinatura, ele explicou ao Liverpoolfc.com porque sente-se feliz em ter acertado sua transferência para o Anfield.
Coutinho disse: "Estou muito feliz, e’ um passo muito importante na minha carreira. Espero vir para ca’, jogar meu futebol e dar minha contribuicao dentro de campo.
"O Liverpool e’ um grande clube com grandes jogadores. Nos sempre ouvimos falar da historia do Liverpool no Brasil. E’ o clube que se interessou por mim e que demonstrou este interesse, entao eu creio que acreditam em mim e no meu futebol."
Coutinho, que já jogou uma partida pela Seleção Brasileira, começou sua carreira no Vasco da Gama antes de se transferir para a Inter de Milão em 2010.
Ele também jogou por empréstimo no Espanyol da Espanha.
O Diretor Ian Ayre declarou que "nós ficamos sempre satisfeitos quando contratamos os jogadores que queremos.
"Foi uma janela de transferências muito boa para nós, passando pela contratação de Daniel Sturridge do Chelsea e agora do Philippe da Inter de Milão.
"Acredito que isso nos traga boas esperanças para o resto da temporada e para o futuro."
Coutinho será o quinto Brasileiro a representar o Liverpool, após Fabio Aurelio, Diego Cavalieri, Doni e Lucas Leiva.
CONFIRM - LFC.COM
THE FIRST INTERVIEW
Firstly Philippe, welcome to Liverpool Football Club...
Thanks.
How does it feel to complete the move?
I'm feeling very happy, it's a very important step in my career and I'm expecting to come here and play good football to give my contribution on the pitch.
What have the past 24 hours been like for you?
It's been a rush, a lot of medicals and today we finally signed the deal. Now it's official, I'm the newest Liverpool player.
Why did you choose to sign for Liverpool ahead of other clubs?
Liverpool is a great club with great players. We've always heard about Liverpool's history in Brazil. They are the club that have been interested in me and that have showed this interest so I know they believe in me and my football.
How much do you know about Liverpool and its history?
It's a club that fans are always supporting. It's a great club accustomed to victories and with a lot of good stories in football and I'm hoping to get here and add some more.
Have you spoken to Lucas Leiva about Liverpool and what to expect?
I've been talking to him for some time and he said good things about Liverpool. He believes this might be a nice club for me and now it's happening.
For Liverpool fans who don't know much about you and your career, what sort of player are you? How do you like to play?
I'm a player who likes to make moves and to play along with the attack, passing as well as scoring. I like dribbling and playing near to the box - that is a strength I have.
Are you confident you'll be able to adapt to English football?
I'm very confident and excited to come and start to train with the team and be available to the manager. I've been playing in Italy for two-and-a-half years and I believe I will adapt with ease here.
We know you can play in a few different positions, but which is your favourite?
I always say that players like to play and I'm no different, although I'd rather play near the goal. That is my preferred position.
Which of your new teammates are you most looking forward to playing alongside?
They are all great players, I'm happy I'll play alongside them but not only them, I'm keen to be friends with all of my teammates and be part of the team.
How much are you looking forward to playing your first match at Anfield in front of the Liverpool fans?
I'm looking forward to starting training with my new teammates and playing football, which is what I like to do the most. I believe all things will be arranged this week so I can start to train.
What are your hopes for the rest of the season with Liverpool?
The objective of all players is to perform well and help the club do the most we can. Win titles and important qualifications - that's what I hope to do at Liverpool.
Would you like to give a message to Liverpool fans?
I'd like to thank all fans that have sent me messages on Twitter. I'm coming here very keen to help the club with my moves and scoring goals to put Liverpool at the top. I just want to say thanks. I'm happy to be signing with a great club and I hope I can give them my contribution.
FIRST INTERVIEW - LFC.COM
TEN FACTS ABOUT COUTINHO
1. The 20-year-old's full name is Philippe Coutinho Correia. He becomes the fifth Brazilian to represent Liverpool, following in the footsteps of compatriots Fabio Aurelio, Diego Cavalieri, Doni and Lucas.
2. Coutinho has two older brothers, both of whom are professional lawyers. The trio of siblings developed a tradition during childhood which they still adhere to - after every game, they spend time watching and assessing Philippe's latest performance.
3. The attacking midfielder has made one full international appearance for his country to date, playing 45 minutes for Brazil in a 3-0 friendly victory over Iran in October 2010. New teammate Lucas Leiva also featured in that fixture.
4. At the U20 World Cup in Colombia two years ago, Coutinho featured in all seven matches for Brazil, who won the tournament by beating Portugal in the final. He was on target three times in the group stage, converting a penalty against Austria and notching twice past Panama. In the quarter-final with Spain, Coutinho narrowly missed the chance to face Daniel Pacheco, who was introduced as a substitute after the Brazilian had left the field.
5. His arrival at Anfield continues Coutinho's recent trend of working with young managers. During his loan spell at Espanyol, the midfielder was coached by 40-year-old Mauricio Pochettino. The current Inter Milan boss is Andrea Stramaccioni, aged 37, while new manager Brendan Rodgers celebrated his 40th birthday this month.
6. The signing of Coutinho increases the crop of South American players at Anfield to five, joining Sebastian Coates and Luis Suarez of Uruguay, plus Brazilians Lucas and Doni. Aside from Lucas, who joined the Reds in 2007, all have been brought to the club within the past two years.
7. Coutinho has developed a reputation as a dead-ball specialist due to his accuracy from set-piece situations. His first goal for Inter Milan came from a precise, curling free-kick against Fiorentina in May 2011.
8. Coutinho has previously worn 7 and 29 at Inter, currently worn by Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini respectively at Anfield. The Brazilian sported No.23 at Espanyol - worn with distinction by Jamie Carragher for Liverpool.
9. Coutinho has a significant presence online and on social media. The former Vasco da Gama man has his own official website, 150,000 followers of his Twitter account, and an individual YouTube profile.
10. Born on June 12, Coutinho shares a birthday with two former Liverpool players. The late Tom Gracie represented the Reds from 1912 to 1914, while more recently Antonio Barragan made a single appearance for the club before returning to Spain.
TEN FACTS - LFC.COM
AYRE: WE FOUGHT FOR COUTINHO
Ian Ayre has revealed that Liverpool had to overcome 'strong competition' to complete the signing of Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazilian finalised a switch to Anfield on Wednesday, becoming the second player to join the club during this transfer window following the arrival of Daniel Sturridge.
Ayre believes the 20-year-old Coutinho can now build on his impressive career to date and hopes to see the attacking midfielder in a red shirt at the earliest opportunity.
"We're always delighted when we get the players we go after," the club's managing director enthused to Liverpoolfc.com.
"It has been a successful transfer window for us, coming off the back of acquiring Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea and now Philippe from Inter Milan.
"I think that bodes well for us for the rest of the season and the future.
"He's obviously a very young player but has already proved himself in the Brazilian U19s, U20s and a first cap. He has been a really important player for them and now for us.
"The most important thing is that he gets settled with training, the backroom staff get him involved and then get him on the pitch as soon as possible.
"We certainly fought off strong competition from others. In the early parts of discussions, I know Inter Milan were reluctant.
"But we did some good work, the whole team that work around this got involved and I'm pleased to say we secured him."
WATCH VIDEO HERE
MORE PHOTOS AT LFC.COM
MORE LINKS:
COUTINHO IN PROFILE
COUTINHO'S CAREER IN PICS
PHILIPPE COUTINHO
WELCOME, COUTINHO
Liverpool Football Club are delighted to confirm the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Philippe Coutinho.
The 20-year-old becomes the Reds' second signing of the January transfer window after penning a long-term contract with the club and follows the arrival of Daniel Sturridge.
Afterwards, he explained to Liverpoolfc.com why he's delighted to have secured a switch to Anfield.
Coutinho said: "I'm feeling very happy, it's a very important step in my career and I'm expecting to come here and play good football to give my contribution on the pitch.
"Liverpool is a great club with great players. We've always heard about Liverpool's history in Brazil. They are the club that have been interested in me and that have showed this interest so I know they believe in me and my football."
Coutinho, who has one cap for Brazil, began his career at Vasco da Gama before moving to Inter Milan in 2010.
He has also spent time on loan in Spain at Espanyol.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said: "We're always delighted when we get the players we go after.
"It has been a successful transfer window for us, coming off the back of acquiring Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea and now Philippe from Inter Milan.
"I think that bodes well for us for the rest of the season and the future."
Coutinho will be the fifth Brazilian to represent Liverpool after Fabio Aurelio, Diego Cavalieri, Doni and Lucas Leiva.
EM PORTUGUÊS:
Reds confirmam a contratação de Coutinho
O Liverpool Football Club tem a satisfação de confirmar a contratação do meio-campista Philippe Coutinho junto à Inter de Milão.
O jogador de 20 anos torna-se o segundo reforço dos Reds na janela de transferências de Janeiro após assinar um contrato de longo prazo com o clube - o primeiro reforço foi Daniel Sturridge.
Depois da assinatura, ele explicou ao Liverpoolfc.com porque sente-se feliz em ter acertado sua transferência para o Anfield.
Coutinho disse: "Estou muito feliz, e’ um passo muito importante na minha carreira. Espero vir para ca’, jogar meu futebol e dar minha contribuicao dentro de campo.
"O Liverpool e’ um grande clube com grandes jogadores. Nos sempre ouvimos falar da historia do Liverpool no Brasil. E’ o clube que se interessou por mim e que demonstrou este interesse, entao eu creio que acreditam em mim e no meu futebol."
Coutinho, que já jogou uma partida pela Seleção Brasileira, começou sua carreira no Vasco da Gama antes de se transferir para a Inter de Milão em 2010.
Ele também jogou por empréstimo no Espanyol da Espanha.
O Diretor Ian Ayre declarou que "nós ficamos sempre satisfeitos quando contratamos os jogadores que queremos.
"Foi uma janela de transferências muito boa para nós, passando pela contratação de Daniel Sturridge do Chelsea e agora do Philippe da Inter de Milão.
"Acredito que isso nos traga boas esperanças para o resto da temporada e para o futuro."
Coutinho será o quinto Brasileiro a representar o Liverpool, após Fabio Aurelio, Diego Cavalieri, Doni e Lucas Leiva.
CONFIRM - LFC.COM
THE FIRST INTERVIEW
Firstly Philippe, welcome to Liverpool Football Club...
Thanks.
How does it feel to complete the move?
I'm feeling very happy, it's a very important step in my career and I'm expecting to come here and play good football to give my contribution on the pitch.
What have the past 24 hours been like for you?
It's been a rush, a lot of medicals and today we finally signed the deal. Now it's official, I'm the newest Liverpool player.
Why did you choose to sign for Liverpool ahead of other clubs?
Liverpool is a great club with great players. We've always heard about Liverpool's history in Brazil. They are the club that have been interested in me and that have showed this interest so I know they believe in me and my football.
How much do you know about Liverpool and its history?
It's a club that fans are always supporting. It's a great club accustomed to victories and with a lot of good stories in football and I'm hoping to get here and add some more.
Have you spoken to Lucas Leiva about Liverpool and what to expect?
I've been talking to him for some time and he said good things about Liverpool. He believes this might be a nice club for me and now it's happening.
For Liverpool fans who don't know much about you and your career, what sort of player are you? How do you like to play?
I'm a player who likes to make moves and to play along with the attack, passing as well as scoring. I like dribbling and playing near to the box - that is a strength I have.
Are you confident you'll be able to adapt to English football?
I'm very confident and excited to come and start to train with the team and be available to the manager. I've been playing in Italy for two-and-a-half years and I believe I will adapt with ease here.
We know you can play in a few different positions, but which is your favourite?
I always say that players like to play and I'm no different, although I'd rather play near the goal. That is my preferred position.
Which of your new teammates are you most looking forward to playing alongside?
They are all great players, I'm happy I'll play alongside them but not only them, I'm keen to be friends with all of my teammates and be part of the team.
How much are you looking forward to playing your first match at Anfield in front of the Liverpool fans?
I'm looking forward to starting training with my new teammates and playing football, which is what I like to do the most. I believe all things will be arranged this week so I can start to train.
What are your hopes for the rest of the season with Liverpool?
The objective of all players is to perform well and help the club do the most we can. Win titles and important qualifications - that's what I hope to do at Liverpool.
Would you like to give a message to Liverpool fans?
I'd like to thank all fans that have sent me messages on Twitter. I'm coming here very keen to help the club with my moves and scoring goals to put Liverpool at the top. I just want to say thanks. I'm happy to be signing with a great club and I hope I can give them my contribution.
FIRST INTERVIEW - LFC.COM
TEN FACTS ABOUT COUTINHO
1. The 20-year-old's full name is Philippe Coutinho Correia. He becomes the fifth Brazilian to represent Liverpool, following in the footsteps of compatriots Fabio Aurelio, Diego Cavalieri, Doni and Lucas.
2. Coutinho has two older brothers, both of whom are professional lawyers. The trio of siblings developed a tradition during childhood which they still adhere to - after every game, they spend time watching and assessing Philippe's latest performance.
3. The attacking midfielder has made one full international appearance for his country to date, playing 45 minutes for Brazil in a 3-0 friendly victory over Iran in October 2010. New teammate Lucas Leiva also featured in that fixture.
4. At the U20 World Cup in Colombia two years ago, Coutinho featured in all seven matches for Brazil, who won the tournament by beating Portugal in the final. He was on target three times in the group stage, converting a penalty against Austria and notching twice past Panama. In the quarter-final with Spain, Coutinho narrowly missed the chance to face Daniel Pacheco, who was introduced as a substitute after the Brazilian had left the field.
5. His arrival at Anfield continues Coutinho's recent trend of working with young managers. During his loan spell at Espanyol, the midfielder was coached by 40-year-old Mauricio Pochettino. The current Inter Milan boss is Andrea Stramaccioni, aged 37, while new manager Brendan Rodgers celebrated his 40th birthday this month.
6. The signing of Coutinho increases the crop of South American players at Anfield to five, joining Sebastian Coates and Luis Suarez of Uruguay, plus Brazilians Lucas and Doni. Aside from Lucas, who joined the Reds in 2007, all have been brought to the club within the past two years.
7. Coutinho has developed a reputation as a dead-ball specialist due to his accuracy from set-piece situations. His first goal for Inter Milan came from a precise, curling free-kick against Fiorentina in May 2011.
8. Coutinho has previously worn 7 and 29 at Inter, currently worn by Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini respectively at Anfield. The Brazilian sported No.23 at Espanyol - worn with distinction by Jamie Carragher for Liverpool.
9. Coutinho has a significant presence online and on social media. The former Vasco da Gama man has his own official website, 150,000 followers of his Twitter account, and an individual YouTube profile.
10. Born on June 12, Coutinho shares a birthday with two former Liverpool players. The late Tom Gracie represented the Reds from 1912 to 1914, while more recently Antonio Barragan made a single appearance for the club before returning to Spain.
TEN FACTS - LFC.COM
AYRE: WE FOUGHT FOR COUTINHO
Ian Ayre has revealed that Liverpool had to overcome 'strong competition' to complete the signing of Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazilian finalised a switch to Anfield on Wednesday, becoming the second player to join the club during this transfer window following the arrival of Daniel Sturridge.
Ayre believes the 20-year-old Coutinho can now build on his impressive career to date and hopes to see the attacking midfielder in a red shirt at the earliest opportunity.
"We're always delighted when we get the players we go after," the club's managing director enthused to Liverpoolfc.com.
"It has been a successful transfer window for us, coming off the back of acquiring Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea and now Philippe from Inter Milan.
"I think that bodes well for us for the rest of the season and the future.
"He's obviously a very young player but has already proved himself in the Brazilian U19s, U20s and a first cap. He has been a really important player for them and now for us.
"The most important thing is that he gets settled with training, the backroom staff get him involved and then get him on the pitch as soon as possible.
"We certainly fought off strong competition from others. In the early parts of discussions, I know Inter Milan were reluctant.
"But we did some good work, the whole team that work around this got involved and I'm pleased to say we secured him."
WATCH VIDEO HERE
MORE PHOTOS AT LFC.COM
MORE LINKS:
COUTINHO IN PROFILE
COUTINHO'S CAREER IN PICS