Coutinho signs new Liverpool deal

Liverpool have announced playmaker Philippe Coutinho has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

PHOTO: @Phil_Coutinho, #LFC’s little magician, put pen to paper on his new deal at Melwood today #CoutinhoLFC pic.twitter.com/IBA1Js5MC1

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 3, 2015

The 22-year-old Brazil international, who is arguably enjoying his best spell since his arrival, told liverpoolfc.com: “I’m really happy. It’s a dream come true playing for this great club and being part of this squad.

“This club is great and the fans have always supported me, so I’ve been eager to sign this new deal since conversations started. Today is a very happy day.”

“I’ve had a great reception since my first day here. As I always say, Liverpool is a big family and I’m a happy person here.”

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said: “I’m delighted that Philippe has committed his long-term future to us; he is clearly going to be a big part of our story in the years to come.

“The most exciting thing isn’t just how good he is now, it’s the further improvement he can make in his game. In terms of potential, he can still become even better.

“He deserves all the credit in the world for the attitude he has shown since coming to Liverpool. He arrived as a young man, in a country he’d never lived in before and joined a club where expectations are high. He has shown a willingness to listen, learn and improve.

“He has shown resilience in adapting to the environment and has embraced everything we have asked of him.

“I love working with players like Philippe; he has an attitude to match his talent, but underlying all of that is a humble approach to his work and his life.

“It is my hope now that he continues with his improvement and development and becomes a figurehead for this exciting, vibrant, youthful squad of players, as we look to grow as a group and achieve success together.”

Coutinho began his career in his homeland with Vasco da Gama before moving to Italy to join Inter in 2010, and has also spent time on loan in Spain at Espanyol.

He has made 81 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 10 goals.