It has been a great week for Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazilian signed a bumper five-year contract during the week which will keep him at Anfield until 2022.
The new deal finally ended, for a while at least, speculation linking him to big money moves to European giants Barcelona and PSG.
The 24-year-old revealed earlier in the week that he had a number of important reasons for committing his future to the Merseyside club.
Obviously the money was a major factor but he referenced the support he receives from the Kop and the opportunity to further work under manager Jurgen Klopp as key to keeping him at the club.
It has now been revealed in an interview with The Daily Mail that Coutinho is incredibly excited that he will have the opportunity to interact and further learn from Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard.
“He is my favourite player since I came to England,” said the 24-year-old.
“I learned a lot and I loved to see how he understands and organises a game. It is incredible. He’s a big influence and personality, his presence around the club. I am happy to see him back. I hope he can share in the success we strive for. He taught me a lot.”
Coutinho would have played alongside the Anfield legend during the early years of his Liverpool career.
It is clear from from Coutinho’s enthusiasm for the returning Gerrard, who will take up a role with the club’s academy, just how much influence the 36-year-old has had on him.
Although Gerrard’s job will mostly consist of offering his knowledge, ideas and experience to the club’s academy players, fans will hope the former captain will be able to offer further wisdom and advice to Coutinho in the hope to make him an even greater player.
Catch up with this week’s episode of 888sport Football Friday Live
