When Coutinho joined from Inter Milan in 2013, few would have envisaged he’d be our most valuable and most renowned player by the age of 24.
The Brazilian had been thwarted by inconsistencies in Italy with Inter Milan and many doubted he’d be able to adapt to the way of life in England or the style of football.
How wrong they were.
Coutinho, on his day, is right up there with the best players in the Premier League, as proven by his opening day brace against Arsenal and his thunderbolt versus Hull City last weekend.
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This summer just gone there were murmurings from South America that he could leave the club, but thankfully nothing came of it and these quotes suggest he sees a long-term future at Anfield.
“Liverpool feels like my home,” Coutinho told the Echo in a brilliant exclusive interview.
“I feel happy, settled and comfortable here with the city and the people.
“It’s an amazing city. I enjoy going to the cinema with my wife and to restaurants in town.
“The supporters are very nice. Hearing people singing my name, it inspires me. The fans here make me feel amazing.
“They give all the players confidence. They are there for us in every game.”
Luis Suarez, our previous incumbent of the ‘South American superstar’ tag was never happy in England, it’s fair to say. The media bullied him and he longed for Spain, a culture and country that would suit him and his family more. Because of what he did for us we couldn’t begrudge the Uruguayan his move, but Coutinho doesn’t seem to be pining for a transfer.
He likes the city, the people. He can speak English now and he’s adored by our fanbase in a way he won’t be anywhere else in the world.
Stick it out, Phil. The good times are coming!