Philippe Coutinho has described the major influence Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard had his decision to join Aston Villa on loan.
The Brazilian midfielder was officially confirmed as a Villa player last night after successfully obtaining a work permit and completing his medical.
It is understood that the West Midlands club saw off competition from other Premier League sides to secure the services of the former Liverpool star, though it seems the pull of Gerrard proved too strong in the end for the 29-year-old.
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Coutinho spent four seasons playing alongside the iconic club captain at Anfield and admitted the Villa boss is someone he still has 'big admiration' for.
"It’s a pleasure to be here; it’s a great club," said the Barcelona loanee in his first official interview after his Premier League return.
“I spoke a lot with the manager, with Stevie, and he told me about the club and his ambitions. I’m very happy to be here and I'm looking to enjoy my football."
“I’ve known Stevie for a long time. I played with him and I learned a lot from him," he added.
“He’s someone who I have big admiration for. I hope to do my best here. For sure, I will work hard, and I hope together we can do good work."
Coutinho's big-money move to Barcelona in 2018 has failed to pan out as he would have hoped, having struggled to truly establish himself at Camp Nou as well as battling injury setbacks.
Eager to get back on track and hit the heights witnessed during his Liverpool days, though, he has vowed to put in the effort to recreate such spectacular form.
"I always want to be at my best, and that's why I work hard every day. I hope it will be a great rest of the season here. I have personal objectives, but I will keep those personal," he said.
"They [children] are very happy. My wife, my brothers and my mum and dad are very happy because they know I was very happy here in England. They love the country, like me."
