When the fee for Philippe Coutinho was agreed between Liverpool and Inter Milan on 26 January 2013, the Brazilian had not spoken to Brendan Rodgers before signing. He learned all about Liverpool from fellow countryman Lucas Leiva. Nowadays, Coutinho has built a strong relationship with Rodgers and settled in Liverpool.
After Coutinho left Brazil for Italy, he had to get over being without his family despite still being a young kid. However, he would always pay homage to his native land.
He said, “My home was a simple place, near a few favelas. The famous Favela da Mangueira was close by. I never had any problems in childhood, my father worked hard to give me and my brothers every opportunity. My dad has always been passionate about football. But it was one of my friends’ grandmother who told my father to get me into the soccer school. She said I had talent. I signed for Inter when I was 16 but moved when I was 18. You miss your family and friends but you have to deal with it.”
Following the transfer from Italy to England, Coutinho proceeded to purchase the house of former Liverpool left-back Fábio Aurélio, who left the Reds in 2012. The brick house is built on a hill and surrounded by tons of greenery.
Coutinho said, “He left it nice and tidy.”
He moved in with his two older brothers, Leandro and Cristiano, as well as his wife, Aine. His brothers both work as lawyers, and they re-watch their younger brother’s performances with him after each match.
He has a small replica of the ‘Christ the Redeemer’ statue in his window. The original statue is in Coutinho’s hometown, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He also drives some pretty fancy whips as well. He has a blacked-out Bentley, a grey Range Rover, and a white Ford Edge sport.
Coutinho’s transition from Italy to England was helped by Lucas Leiva, who said, “I feel like a father to be honest. He is in the same situation as I was when I came to Liverpool, very young and doesn’t understand the language… First he needs to speak English and then he will learn the Scouse accent!”
His two brothers have since moved out, leaving just Coutinho, his wife Aine, and their son. Just recently, Coutinho signed a new contract with Liverpool to further his stay after two years. He said, “I live with my wife and we have a peaceful life here although we struggle sometimes in this cold weather! It’s not a big deal, though.”
Over the Christmas period, Coutinho hosted a family reunion at his home in the suburbs of Liverpool. His entire family, as well his wife Aine’s entire family, crammed into Coutinho’s home to enjoy Christmas.
The 22-year-old Brazilian has been an integral part of the Liverpool squad since his arrival in January 2013, and he is enjoying life wearing a red shirt and playing in front of the Kop. After signing a new contract recently, he said “I would be very happy to stay here for a long time and, maybe, I could become like one of the great players who have been here. I want to win trophies here of my own.”
