Liverpool sign Brazilian Coutinho from Inter
LONDON (AFP) –
Inter Milan’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League qualifier against Hajduk Split in the San Siro stadium in Milan on August 9, 2012. Liverpool have signed Coutinho on a “long-term” contract from Italian giants Inter Milan, the English Premier League club announced Wednesday.
Liverpool have signed Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho on a “long-term” contract from Italian giants Inter Milan, the English Premier League club announced Wednesday.
The 20-year-old, whose arrival at Anfield was confirmed just a day before the transfer window closes, followed former Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge in joining Liverpool this month.
“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,” Coutinho told Liverpool’s website on Wednesday.
“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,” he added.
Coutinho, capped once by Brazil, started his career at Vasco da Gama before moving to Inter Milan in 2010 and has also spent time on loan with Spanish side Espanyol.
“We’re always delighted when we get the players we go after,” said Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre.
“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.
Liverpool, last crowned champions of England in 1990 and five-times winners of the European Cup, were dramatically dumped out of the FA Cup by third-tier Oldham on Sunday.
The Merseysiders are currently seventh in the Premier League table — a huge 22 points behind leaders Manchester United — but will have the chance to improve on that position away to sixth-placed Arsenal later Wednesday.