Philippe Coutinho left Liverpool for Barcelona to 'win big titles' and learn from Catalan greats
The Brazilian completed a £142m transfer from Liverpool to the Nou Camp at the start of January after failing last summer to force through a move
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Philippe Coutinho has said that the chance to “win big titles” and learn from the likes of Lionel Messi were two of the many reasons he signed for Barcelona last month.
The Brazilian completed a £142m transfer from Liverpool to the Nou Camp at the start of January after failing last summer to force through a move.
With Barcelona top of La Liga and into the last four of the Copa del Rey, Coutinho could end the season with two titles to his name after years of disappointment at Liverpool.
"Everyone knows that I wanted to come to Barcelona," he told Spanish media.
"It wasn't possible in the summer, but we worked so that it could be done in winter.
“I really want to win big titles, it was one of the reasons that made me sign for the club.
"I want to win as many as I can, I don't have preferences."
Coutinho was also full of praise for his new teammates and admitted that he is looking to “take advantage” of his playing time alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta.
"Andres [Iniesta] is a genius, and anyone who plays with him will make them better.
"I am enjoying my time together with him and also with Leo, for me they are idols.
"It seems incredible, but every day Messi gets better, and as a teammate I can only take advantage of my moments with him.
"I've learned a lot from everyone and I've tried to take advantage of everything they taught me.”
Coutinho has so far made four appearances for Barcelona this season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments