Philippe Coutinho reveals Lucas Leiva convinced him to join Liverpool

Former Inter starlet Philippe Coutinho has revealed that fellow Brazilian Lucas Leiva convinced him to join Liverpool.

The 20-year-old moved to Anfield for £8.5million during the January transfer window after finding first-team opportunities hard to come by at Inter Milan.

The Brazilian admits his frustration at not being able to break through at the San Siro under Andrea Stramaccioni.

He told the Daily Mirror: "Sometimes I was disappointed because every player wants to play. I always did my best for Inter but it didn't work out.

"I need to spend some time at a club and I need to enjoy my football to play my best."

However, the young midfielder enthuses that, with a little help from Lucas Leiva, joining the Reds was an easy choice.

Coutinho added: "Lucas spoke to me. He explained the methods here. I knew Liverpool was a huge team so the decision was made quite quickly on this basis.

"Liverpool is known around the world for being a huge club for all the titles they have won; the one that comes to mind is in the Champions League final in 2005 when they turned the game around.

"Hopefully I will have a long and successful career at Liverpool. That is what I'm hoping for."

Coutinho could make his third appearance for Liverpool today as they travel to Premier League strugglers Wigan Athletic.

Source: Goal.com