I think we all suspected it, and now Philippe Coutinho has all but confirmed it. Not only is our No. 10 a little magician on the pitch, it seems he’s also got quite a way with words off it – having convinced international teammate Roberto Firmino to choose a move to Liverpool earlier this week.
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Coutinho, who has been speaking with our official website, explains that he talked a lot with Firmino about the move and reassured him that it would be the right place for his career to thrive.
“I have told him that he will be coming into a club that is like a family – I made sure to tell him that,” said Coutinho.
The 23-year-old subsequently sealed a £29m move to Merseyside (via BBC Sport), and became our fifth summer signing, following the deals for James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan and Joe Gomez.
The transfer of the former Hoffenheim star has been the subject of a great deal of excitement among Liverpool fans and Coutinho also explained exactly what us supporters have to be looking forward too.
He added: “He is strong physically, he is fast, agile, very skilful on the ball and he scores a lot of goals – he is a great forward. I am sure he will be of great help to us next season.
“I’m very much looking forward to playing and starting the new season alongside Firmino at Liverpool. I am looking forward to not only playing for Liverpool again, but trying to help us get into a position to win trophies.”
Coutinho also had kind words for our other new signings, all of whom he expects to make a difference next season.
“As I said, I am very happy he [Firmino] has signed for Liverpool – but not only him, all of the other signings we’ve made recently as well. I’m sure all of these new players are coming in to make our team even stronger for the new season,” he said confidently.
“I can’t wait to start the Premier League season. I am very hopeful things will go well for us on the pitch this season.”