Philippe Coutinho couldn’t keep the smile off his face as he discussed life at Aston Villa ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at Newcastle United. The Brazilian has made a dream start to life at Villa Park since arriving on loan from Barcelona, and he delivered another masterclass in this week’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United. The presence of Steven Gerrard was obviously a huge factor in his decision to join Villa, but the 29-year-old also seems to be relishing the rapport he is building with both his teammates and supporters, if an interview with Sky Sports is anything to go by.
Philippe Coutinho said: “I arrived at this great club, I’m very happy to come here. I’m getting to know my teammates better and we want to give more to our fans. We work hard for them.”
Asked how Gerrard had persuaded to join him at Villa, Coutinho suggested it was a pretty straightforward decision.
Philippe Coutinho added: “We spoke a lot before I came. We spoke about the club, the ambitions here, the fans, his ambitions. For sure it was what I wanted. I decided very quickly. I’m here now and I’m very happy. I want to give my best for my team, for him and enjoy my football here.”
Enjoying his football was something he seemingly struggled to do at the Nou Camp. Asked about the differences between the Premier League and La Liga,
Philippe Coutinho said: “In Spain, it’s a different type of game. Here, it’s a bit more intensive. In Barcelona, you have more time on the ball, more control, that’s the different thing. But I want to live in the present, I’m here, at a great club, I want to give my best.”
With hopes of his loan becoming permanent in the summer growing, it was music to Villa fans’ ears.
