Barcelona: Philippe Coutinho excited to play alongside 'idols' 

 


Philippe Coutinho says he is excited at the prospect of playing alongside his "idols" as his protracted big-money move to Barcelona nears completion.

Liverpool agreed to sell the midfielder to the La Liga leaders on Saturday, for a fee Sky Sports News understands to be £146m.

Coutinho, briefly presented to the media at a photocall on Sunday, is expected to complete a two-part medical on Monday before performing a ceremonial signing of his contract ahead of a photo shoot on the pitch and a press conference.


"I'm very happy, very happy," Coutinho, who watched Barcelona's 3-0 league victory over Levante at the Nou Camp, told Barca TV.

"I have always said that it is a dream that I am living and I am very happy to be here.
"To be able to play, win titles, make the fans happy… always play with joy. It is incredible to know that I am going to live with idols, players with a lot of history.

"Footballers like Leo Messi, Luis Suarez, (Andres) Iniesta, (Gerard) Pique, (Sergio) Busquets. I am very happy to be able to live together, to be able to learn from them and be able to win together."

The Brazil international posted a short video message to his new club's Twitter feed describing the move as a "dream come true".

"Hi Barca fans. I am already here, it is a dream come true, and I hope to see you tomorrow," Coutinho said.

The 25-year-old could make his debut for the Catalan side on Thursday in the Copa del Ray last-16 second leg match against Celta Vigo at the Nou Camp.

Sky Sports

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