Philippe Coutinho press conference LIVE: Barcelona complete £142m deal as ex-Liverpool star signs contract
Follow the latest from Coutinho's first press conference as a Barcelona player
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 was unveiled by Barcelona on Monday morning after the Spanish side completed an astounding £142m transfer for the Brazil international from Liverpool.
The deal, which makes Coutinho the second-most expensive player in history behind £200m Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar, was completed late last week, with the attacking midfielder travelling to Barcelona over the weekend to complete the deal.
The 25-year-old underwent a medical this morning, and will sign his new five-and-a-half-year contract that will be worth around £250,000-a-week, with a buy-out clause of €400m [£355m].
Follow the latest from his unveiling and first press conference live below...
Please allow a moment for the blog to load...
Jordi Mestre, vice-president of FC Barcelona, is introducing Coutinho right now with the list of clubs he has played for.
Mestre also made reference to Coutinho's "personal and financial effort" to sign for the club. He gave up some £10m in potential salary to help the deal go through.
Coutinho: "I'm very content. Very happy. Like I said before it's a dream. Thanks to lots of people, firstly God, my parents and my family who are here with me in every moment.
"I'd like to thank the president of FC Barcelona, the directors who had so much patience. I would like to thank Liverpool for the five years I had there and the directors, Mike Gordon who understood what I wanted, my dream, and they tried very hard to convince me to stay. To the fans who shared five years with me, thank you."
Coutinho: "I watched yesterday's game at the hotel. Today I went to the training ground and met some of the players. They showed me where we train, where we eat.
"I'm anxious to get started!"
Jordi Mestre is now being asked about the decision to sign Coutinho. His answer isn't that interesting so we'll leave it out.
A Catalan radio station asks Mestre another question about the club's finances and Mestre makes the same point I would - we're here to talk about Philippe!
Alfredo Martinez, a friend of The Independent, asks Coutinho about his new teammates (new and former):
"I play with Neymar for Brazil and we've been friends for years.
"Messi is a great player and I'm very lucky to be able to play with him."
Do you want to make people forget Neymar?
"We're different players. He is obviously a great player but we have different qualities."
Coutinho: "It was my dream to come here and the opportunity came up. Obviously that's unique and I had to take it.
"I hope that in the five years I'm here I can enjoy myself and have a lot of success.
"I have already played in La Liga and I hope to be able to adapt as quickly as possible."
Is it a tough task to be Barca's biggest-ever buy?
"It's an honour. As I've said I'm very lucky to be here. I think the money is between the clubs, I am just here to be happy and win titles."
How have the six months of negotiations been for you?
"They tried everything to keep me. I have to thank them for understanding that this was my dream and that of my family.
"They were men of their word with me and I gave them everything. It was the right time to come here."
Coutinho:
"They're both difficult leagues. Every country has its own difficulties.
"I try and play football and I want to adapt as fast as possible and be happy here."
Jordi Mestre is asked another question about specific figures of the deal.
Obviously he says he can't talk about those.
"He told me the city and players were incredible. Obviously there are players I know here so I hope to be happy.
How did you feel about securing the deal finally?
"We changed the flight like three or four times," he laughs.
"I didn't realise straight away but when I train with those players it will finally dawn on me."
The La Liga picture:
"I think La Liga is a really difficult league and it's a long season. Nothing is over.
"We have to be focused in every game so the distance [to Madrid] continues."
What of your relationship with Luis Suarez during those dark months?
"We had a great time together and we almost won the Premier League. He is a great friend and it's an honour to play with him.
"He wrote to me a lot, we always talked and having a friend like him at the club helped me come."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments