PHILIPPE COUTINHO says he signed for Barcelona to win silverware with his “idols”.
Coutinho’s £145million move sees him follow in the footsteps of Luis Suarez, who made the switch from Liverpool in 2014 and won the Champions League and La Liga in his first season.
He donned the Barcelona colours for the first time on Sunday night and will be unveiled on Monday after signing his contract and completing his medical.
Coutinho, 25, said: “It is incredible to know I will be around idols, with players who have such a great history like Leo Messi, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets — all the great players.
“To be able to play football, win titles, make the fans happy and play with a smile. These are the objectives.
“I am very happy to know I will be playing with them and I hope to be able to learn, live and win together.
“I am very happy. I have always said I am living a dream, we are very happy to be here.”
Suarez, who will live in the same neighbourhood as the Brazilian, welcomed his fellow South American with open arms and backed him to hit the ground running.
The Uruguayan, who scored 82 Liverpool goals in 133 games before leaving in a £75m deal, is convinced Coutinho is the man to help him bag more trophies.
He said: “As a team-mate and as a friend, I’m very happy.
“He’s going to contribute a lot to the team and everybody knows the quality that he has.
“He’s been in the elite for many years and we’ll help him to feel at home and adapt straight away.”
Coutinho jetted into Catalonia on Saturday to complete a deal that still requires a medical, which should be done today.
Liverpool’s Fenway Group owners are reported to have asked Barcelona if Coutinho could have been loaned back for the rest of the season, given he is cup-tied in the Champions League. But this was rejected by the Spanish giants and Coutinho is set to make his debut in the Copa del Rey tie against Celta Vigo on Thursday.
He added: “I gave 100 per cent, 100 per cent of the time I played for Liverpool.
“For five years, I did everything I could possibly do. I love this club but it is time for a new adventure.
“I have so many memories and have so many people to thank at Liverpool. I have to improve as a player. In my head, I always think this.”
He did not attend Barcelona’s 3-0 home win against Levante last night, where Lionel Messi marked his 400th Barcelona appearance with a goal.
That was to prevent any distractions on the pitch, but boss Ernesto Valverde was happy to talk about Coutinho afterwards.
He said: “He can provide us with a lot of things. He can score goals, make assists and he can play in the middle and on the flanks.
“We hope he will help us and that he has a lot of luck. He is one of the important names in the world of football.”
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