Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Premier League • England

Philippe Coutinho goes big with clear aim following permanent Aston Villa transfer

Philippe Coutinho, Aston Villa loan star celebrate a goal during 4-0 win over Southampton

Following the confirmation of Aston Villa’s permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho, the Brazilian has sent out an ambitious message regarding his targets.

Coutinho’s start at Aston Villa had fans raving about him. The 29-year-old notched two goals and two assists in his first four games at the club. Within his first eight games, Coutinho had contributed to seven goals.

While his tally for the season has stagnated since then, he has still shown his quality on the field. Fans have clamoured for his deal to be made permanent for much of his stay at the club.

Steven Gerrard also frequently hinted at his intentions regarding the Brazilian. It has seemed that everyone involved with Aston Villa has been enamoured by Coutinho during his stay.

And they got what they wanted, as his permanent transfer has now been confirmed. The snare highlights the true ambition of the club under Gerrard.

Coutinho seems more than happy to have made the permanent switch from Barcelona.

“I feel happy in the club. It’s been a good start and I want to achieve good things with the club,” he told the Aston Villa Website.

“I’m already looking forward to the next year. I believe so much in the squad and the club, and we can achieve good things next year.”

Coutinho seemingly has big ambitions of his own for his time at Villa Park.

“We can do better than we did this year and we want to achieve things like getting into Europe. I believe so much in the squad and the work the staff is doing,” he said.

“I believe that’s where we have to be, playing in European games. That’s what we will work hard for.”

Coutinho and Gerrard ambitions align

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard embracing Philippe Coutinho

It appears that Coutinho’s ambitions are in line with those of his manager, too.

“He [Gerrard] believes in me. We’ve known each other for a long time and I felt very welcome from him and his staff when I arrived here,” he said.

“He’s a great manager, for sure. I’m happy to be managed by him and his staff.

“His ambitions are high and I believe in the same things he believes in. I want to work hard to achieve these things.”

Villa fans will hope that the pair can inspire Aston Villa to good things. With the recruitment of late, it seems the push for Europe will be the next goal.

Should Gerrard manage to convince more big names to the club, that goal might not be too far off. The Coutinho deal should help Villa no end in recruiting more quality stars to the side.

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