‘Comfortable and motivated’ Coutinho reveals Aston Villa ambitions following easy transition

Philippe Coutinho has revealed his Aston Villa ambitions following an easy transition back to the Premier League thanks to a good reception from the squad.

Coutinho has been one of the shining lights in the Aston Villa side since his loan move. Indeed, he has contributed to seven goals in his 10 games at the club.

The Brazilian had the choice of a number of clubs in January. The pull of working with former teammate Steven Gerrard was clearly too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Coutinho endured a difficult period at Barcelona, particularly of late. Indeed, the attacking-midfielder had made just 30 appearances over the past couple of seasons, and had contributed to just seven goals in that time.

However, he clearly thrives in the Premier League, as he hit the ground running with two goals and two assists in his first three games in a Villa shirt.

What’s more, the former Liverpool man feels he is adapting well to being back in England.

“I believe I have been adapting well to this return to English football. It’s a league I know and I feel good playing. In addition, I was very well received by everyone and this has helped me a lot,” he told Globo Esporte.

“We [with Gerrard] had a conversation that made me feel very comfortable and motivated. He talked about the Villa project, the goals, what he expected of me and it was something I was looking for too. I believe we made a good decision and things are going well.”

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It is clear that Coutinho has bought into the project at Villa, and he appears to be playing with freedom. Furthermore, he could thrive in a Villa shirt for years to come, should they land him permanently.

The coup of a big-name player like Coutinho would be a massive one, especially considering Villa were playing Championship football just four seasons ago.

Coutinho, Luiz relationship helping matters

Coutinho’s integration into the Villa squad has been helped due to his compatriot, Douglas Luiz, playing in the same side.

The pair knew each other through making Selecao squads together.

“Douglas is a great player and an excellent person. “added Coutinho. “We had contact before I came to Aston Villa in the Brazilian national team, but now that we play together, we are very close, which favours the integration on the field.”

Clearly, Coutinho is enjoying linking up not only with Luiz, but the rest of the Villa’s stars.

READ MORE: ‘Advanced talks’ with former Aston Villa star ahead of £36million move revealed