Coutinho: What I told Firmino about LFC
Philippe Coutinho admits he cannot wait to link up with Roberto Firmino at Liverpool – and revealed what he's told his compatriot to expect as a Red while on Copa America duty with Brazil.
The 23-year-old was signed in a deal from Hoffenheim on Wednesday morning, making him the fifth transfer the club has agreed so far this summer.
It's a swoop that has been cause for great excitement among Liverpool supporters - and it's a feeling shared by Coutinho, who believes Firmino has all the attributes to be a big success at Anfield.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.com from Brazil's Copa America training camp ahead of their quarter-final with Paraguay, the No.10 said: "I think it is great news. Firmino is a great player and obviously I know him from the Brazilian national team. He is a great character and person.
"He is strong physically, he is fast, agile, very skilful on the ball and he scores a lot of goals - he is a great forward. I am sure he will be of great help to us next season.
"After hearing the news, I said to him 'welcome to Liverpool' and I have told him that he will be coming into a club that is like a family - I made sure to tell him that.
"I have also wished him a great and very successful first season at Liverpool."
The deal for Firmino followed agreements to secure the services of James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan and Joe Gomez for the new season.
Coutinho feels the acquisitions will serve to significantly bolster Liverpool's quest for silverware.
He added: "I'm very much looking forward to playing and starting the new season alongside Firmino at Liverpool. I am looking forward to not only playing for Liverpool again, but trying to help us get into a position to win trophies.
"As I said, I am very happy he has signed for Liverpool - but not only him, all of the other signings we've made recently as well. I'm sure all of these new players are coming in to make our team even stronger for the new season.
"I can't wait to start the Premier League season. I am very hopeful things will go well for us on the pitch this season."