Philippe Coutinho has paid tribute to Liverpool team-mate and compatriot Lucas Leiva and says he has been ‘like a father" to him since his move from Inter.
Coutinho has been welcomed to life at the club by Lucas and the South American contingent at Liverpool which also includes Uruguayans Luis Suárez and Sebastian Coates.
“Lucas speaks Portuguese and has helped me a lot. He has been like a father to me and that has helped me a lot.
“Suarez and Seba [Coates] have also helped me. If somebody wants to tell me something, when they are around they can help me understand, so it has been very important their presence here for me."
Now living in the city with his wife, Coutinho is relishing the latest chapter in his footballing journey.
In particular, the forward admits to being bowled over by the heritage and culture of Liverpool FC – and, of course, the support of the fans.
“Anfield is a great stadium – another great stadium where I am having the opportunity to play for a club with a great history," he concluded. “The fans are great and always giving their support. It makes me very happy. I was very moved [by ‘You"ll Never Walk Alone"].
“Here it is very different from Brazil and Italy. In every match the fans are there, the stadium is full and the fans shouting. In Brazil, it is not like this and in Italy even less so.
“It is very moving to see the stadium full and everybody singing. It is great."
Source: Liverpool FC
