Coutinho: What Stevie means to me
Philippe Coutinho has paid tribute to Steven Gerrard ahead of his Anfield farewell, declaring that he is thankful to have had the opportunity to work alongside such a legendary figure.
The skipper will make his final appearance in front of the Kop on Saturday when the Reds take on Crystal Palace in their last home game of the 2015-16 season.
Fans in attendance will witness Gerrard's 709th outing for the club since making his first-team debut as a teenager in 1998 - and join together in celebration of a remarkable, trophy-laden career.
Coutinho expects the occasion to be a poignant one because of what the skipper means to everyone attached to the club.
"It’s going to be very emotional. He’s one of football’s greatest and I admire him a lot on and off the pitch," the 22-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com.
"He’s a humble, hard-working character who gets on well with everyone. He’s also one of the best Liverpool player of all time, if not the greatest.
"I’m sure his last game at Anfield will be very moving to all involved."
The Brazil international also revealed what Stevie means to him.
Like every other current first-team squad member, Coutinho has only ever known one club captain at Anfield since his arrival on Merseyside.
And he cannot speak highly enough of the departing skipper, who he believes has played a huge role in his development into one of Liverpool's key men.
"He’s had a great influence on me and I must thank him for everything he did," he added.
"I’m constantly observing him and the way he works in training. He’s selfless and treats everyone equally, from the youngest to the oldest.
"He’s an icon and having the opportunity to watch him closely has had in itself a huge positive impact on me.
"I’d like to thank him for these two and a half years we’ve been working together, which provided an opportunity for me to learn many things.
"I’m very honoured I’ve had the chance to live together with him daily in training and to play alongside him – it meant so much to me.
"I wish him and his family all the best on the course of his career. Thank you."