Philippe Coutinho talks on how Steven Gerrard convinced him to join Aston Villa
Philippe Coutinho has officially been unveiled as an Aston Villa player.
The Premier League club announced on Fridaythat he was set to join, but on Tuesday evening they confirmed the Brazilian had obtained a work permit and completed his medical.
“Philippe Coutinho arrived at Bodymoor Heath on Tuesday afternoon to complete his move to Aston Villa,” a club statement read.
“The Brazil international, 29, travelled straight to the club’s training complex having landed in Birmingham, coming after he successfully completed his medical and obtained a work permit.
Coutinho will spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park from FC Barcelona, with the agreement including an option to buy.”
Coutinho, who also had spells at Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, cannot wait to link up with his new club, where former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard is now head coach.
“It’s a pleasure to be here; it’s a great club,” the Brazilian said on www.avfc.co.uk.
“I spoke a lot with the manager, with Stevie, and he told me about the club and his ambitions. I’m very happy to be here and I’m looking to enjoy my football.
“I’ve known Stevie for a long time. I played with him and I learned a lot from him.
“He’s someone who I have big admiration for. I hope to do my best here. For sure, I will work hard, and I hope together we can do good work.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting the fans, to being on the pitch. I know and I feel that they’re happy that I’m here,” he said.
“I want to repay that on the pitch and enjoy my football. I’m looking forward to being on the pitch
