The latest Liverpool news as Philippe Coutinho returns to his first club, signing on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with him being presented to the fans this week
Philippe Coutinho waves to the fans during his presentation at Sao Januario Stadium. (Image: Wagner Meier/Getty Images)Former Liverpool favourite Philippe Coutinho was welcomed back to first club Vasco da Gama in a presentation to remember over the weekend. The midfielder has signed for the Brazilian club on loan from Aston Villa.
Coutinho started his career in the youth teams at Vasco, before leaving for Inter. He returned to the club for a two-year loan between 2008 and 2010, playing 19 times and scoring once. He went on to have a successful career away from Brazil most of his performances coming for Liverpool during 2013 and 2018 where Coutinho played 201 times in a red shirt, scoring 54 goals and providing 43 assists.
The midfielder left for Barcelona in 2018. He has since spent time on loan with Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, before making his move to Villa Park permanent in the summer of 2022.
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That move didn’t go to plan. Coutinho spent last season on loan with Qatari side Al-Duhail, and has now completed an emotional move back to Vasco, with his arrival coming with a presentation at the club’s home ground on Saturday that 20,000 supporters attended.
During the presentation, a big screen showed what appeared to be messages from some of Coutinho’s Brazilian teammates. But when Neymar appeared on the screen it was greeted by a chorus of boos from several of the Vasco fans in the stadium, it then changed with striker Richarlison receiving a cheer when he appeared on the screen.
Fans also chanted: “Coutinho is better than Neymar,” throughout the presentation, which included Coutinho making a speech on stage in front of the fans, where Correio Braziliense reports that he was very emotional. “Thank you for this wonderful celebration,” he said.
“I never imagined, not even in my wildest dreams, that I would have such a celebratory return. A movie plays in my head being on this field.
“From the age of 7 until I was 16, I would go behind these fences to get to the youth team’s locker room. Then I would go to school here.
“It has always been my dream to be part of this, to become a professional and to play in front of you. Thank you very much.”
He then added: “To my parents, who are here, to my children. And to all of you, who supported me even from a distance, playing in another country. I hope we celebrate together. You can be sure that I will give my all to honor this shirt on the field.”
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Coutinho was given the number 11 shirt, with videos shared by Vasco on social media showing the shirt being flown by drone for the former Liverpool man to collect. He was on stage with his three children, who were all wearing shirts with ‘Coutinho, 11’ on the back.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander Arnold sent the playmaker a message following the completion of his move. Writing on Instagram, he said: “Hi Phil, it’s Trent here I just wanted to say all the best and good luck for your new journey and challenge. I know you’ll smash it, all the best my friend.”
He could make his debut as soon as Wednesday, when Vasco take on Atletico Goianiense away from home in the Brazilian Serie A. Kick-off is at 11pm UK time, with Vasco currently sitting in 11th place in the table.
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