Philippe Coutinho has completed his loan move from Barcelona to Aston Villa until the end of the season. Coutinho revealed that Gerrard convinced him to join Villa despite other clubs showing interest in him. The loan deal includes an option to buy for £33m and Coutinho hopes to impress during his time in the Premier League.
“[Steven Gerrard] told me about the club, the ambitions of the club, and his plans also,” Aston Villa new signing Philippe Coutinho said. “When I spoke to him after the meeting it was clear that I wanted to be here. I think it [happened] quickly and I am very happy to be here. Of course, I always want to be at my best. That’s why I work hard every day. I hope it will be a great rest of the season here now.”
Coutinho agreed to take a pay cut to join the Premier League club despite other clubs willing to pay his full wages. The midfielder was interested in the project underway at Aston Villa with something special for the future in store. Coutinho played with Gerrard for two and a half years at Liverpool a few seasons ago.
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