Coutinho reveals details of ‘difficult’ spell at former club

Oli Fisher

New Barcelona man Philippe Coutinho has lifted the lid on what he calls a ‘difficult’ spell in Italy with Inter Milan.

The Brazil international was bought by Inter in 2008 at the age of 16 for just €4million, but remained at Vasco de Gama on loan for two years as foreigner footballers were prohibited from playing professional football in Italy until 18 years of age.

After a three-year spell at the San Siro club in which he struggled to establish himself in the first team, Liverpool offered Coutinho a way out and took him to Anfield for £8.5million.

Following a successful six years on Merseyside, he completed a British record £142m switch to Barcelona this month.

“I started to realise that I’d turn professional when I signed my first contract with a European club at the age of 16, Inter, but I was very young,” Coutinho told Barca TV.

“It was difficult for a young man like myself, who came from a different culture. I went to Italy with my parents and girlfriend, who is now my wife.

“The team had many champions and it was a very positive experience but also difficult. If I went alone, I would’ve died…

“I needed my family’s support, and they were by my side.”