 |
| NEW PLAYERS Barca, Philippe Coutinho signed a contract until 2023. - Photo REUTERS |
BARCELONA: Philippe Coutinho's move from Liverpool to Barcelona is like a 'dream come true' after arriving at the Nou Camp for the first time before today's official recognition session.
"Barca fans, I'm here now, it's like a dream come true! I hope to meet you tomorrow (today)," said Coutinho, who will be introduced to supporters today, in a short video published in Barcelona.
The 25-year-old is styled in front of the cameramen in the Nou Camp with the club's official sports suits a day after Barcelona authorizes a 160 million euro (RM769 million) contract to buy it.
He is the third most expensive purchase in football history and records club records for Barcelona.
He was due to sign the contract officially at 12.30 am in local time (7.30 pm), with appearances at the Camp Nou and media meetings also on the same day.
"Now I want to play, win trophies and encourage supporters, that's my objective," Coutinho told Barca TV.
The Brazilian signed a contract until 2023 and is impatient with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta, a player he considers an 'idol'.
Coutinho played with Suarez for 18 months at Liverpool before the Uruguayan player accompanied Barca in 2014.
"Everyone knows about the quality he has, he's played at the highest stage for so many years and that's very important," Suarez told Barca TV about the new player.
"Now we need to make sure he feels like home at home because we're tuned in, switching clubs is not something easy but I think he can fit in with the troops." - AFP