In an interview with 'Barca TV', Philippe Coutinho has opened up about early days as a footballer, who he admires and his special relationship with Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez.
"When I used to play Fútbol Sala we would train twice a week on a night. We had games on Sundays and it was a day off for us. Later on I juggled my training sessions with 11-a-side training as well, doing one in the morning and one on a night. However, eventually a time came when I had to chosse between the two and I chose 11-a-side," the Brazilian explained about his early days in football.
At the age of 16, Coutinho arrived in Milan so sign for Inter. He left Brazil at a young age, but he didn't do it alone. "We were always simple people. Coming from nowhere, we were suddenly in Milan, an enormous city, playing for the the same club as people who had won all sorts of title. I was luck enough to be with my family. If I had gone alone, I would be dead," he joked.
When asked about his idol, there was not a doubt in the Samba star's mind: "Every Brazilian has made a success for themself at Barca, but Ronaldinho was always my idol. I'm going to work hard in order to meet the expectations people have of me both in training and in matches."
Ronaldinho certainly left his mark at the Camp Nou, with the image of Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabeu applauding him off the pitch one that will live long in the memory.
Coutinho's move to Barca sees him reunite with Luis Suarez, a former Liverpool team-mate. The Brazilian formed a strong friendship with both Suarez and club legend Steven Gerrard during his time at Anfield. "I have a lot of time for him (Gerrard). I learned a lot from watching him and he helped me a lot in my first few years at the club," said the Brazilian.
On the subject of Suarez, the playmaker said: "We were very happy playing together, we're friends. I don't speak very good Spanish, but I understand it thanks to the time I spent with Suarez".
"Barcelona is incredible. I don't know the city very well but now I'm here long-term I want to learn about the history of this city," Coutinho added.
In his early years at Inter, Coutinho actually spend time on loan at Espanyol, but now he is looking to write his name into Barca's history books. "Since I was a kid I have dreamt of coming here and pulling on this shirt," he concluded.
It's fair to say that he has plenty to prove at the Camp Nou, having become Barca's most expensive player in history.