Coutinho Arrives at Inter
Inter has unveiled its newest Brazilian wunderkind. The kid is called Philippe Coutinho. After years of waiting, Inter has finally introduced its next star player, who as of today is only 18 years old.
Since 2008, Inter has been in talks with the Brazilian, scooping him up at the tender age of 16. But Coutinho was too young to come to Italy at that time. That is why for the past two years, Coutinho was on a loan spell at Brazilian club Vasco de Gama.
Now, he is ready to showcase his skills in Serie A.
Asked his feelings about wearing the Nerrazurra shirt, Coutinho said: “I am very happy to be here, I hope I can win many titles here and I can give great satisfaction to Inter fans.”
“When I heard about Inter’s interest two years ago I was very flattered. For me it was a dream to come to a great European club like Inter. When the deal was completed, I couldn’t wait to get here,” he added.
Coutinho certainly found his first days with Internazionale comfortable. Given the number of Brazilians in the Inter squad, Coutinho will be able to adjust quickly and easily. It is reported that the more experienced Brazilians are already mentoring the Brazilian wunderkind.
As the newest Brazilian to set foot on Italian soil, it is only natural that he is compared with the other Samba Kings who have played in Serie A. The illustrious list includes fearsome striker Ronaldo, the come-backing Adriano, Brazilian bulwarks Maicon and Lucio, midfield magician Kaka, star stopper Julio Cesar, and the amazing Alexandre Pato. The list goes on and on.
“It is a dream come true, these are players who I have always seen and admired on the TV, now I find myself side by side with them, it is truly a dream,” said Coutinho.
But though he is Brazilian, the one player that Coutinho closely resembles is Holland’s Wesley Sneijder. His style of play and preferred position certainly attest to that. I am a midfielder, I like to play in the midfield, behind the strikers. I like to attack. I resemble Sneijder? If only; I would like that, and how,” said a gushing Coutinho.
“I am inspired by Sneijder. Of Brazilians? Champions like Robinho and Kakà,” added the kid who hails from Rio de Janeiro.
Coutinho is also being compared to Pato, another Brazilian whizkid who is currently plying his trade at the San Siro. Asked about his thoughts regarding the comparison, he said: “Naturally I am flattered by this comparison, but in any case, we are two different players. I am a midfielder, Pato is more attacking.”
But just like countless of Brazilians who have fallen in love with the Italian lifestyle, Coutinho was quick to cut the notion that all Brazilians like to party. “I don't like to go out much. I prefer to stay at home with my family, with my friends, and my girlfriend who I love very much. I like the quiet life,” he revealed.
On a personal level, Coutinho feels that he has much to prove as an Inter player. And even though he dreams of representing his country one day at the prestigious FIFA World Cup, his thoughts as of now remain grounded with Internazionale. “I would like to establish myself, I would like to become a well-known football player in Italy, I would like to demonstrate my qualities, with Inter first of all then one day with Brazil,” he said.
“First of all, I think about doing well with Inter which has given me the opportunity to play here, in Serie A. Then the rest will come with time, we’ll see. But I repeat that to be called up for the National team is my dream,” added the newest Nerrazurra.
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