Philippe Coutinho explains timing of new Liverpool contract

Philippe Coutinho penned a new Liverpool deal this week to end speculation he could leave the club.

Barcelona were interested in the Brazil playmaker, while an offer from China was supposedly on the table.

But the 24-year-old believes Liverpool is the right place to be and expects trophy success by the time his deal expires in 2022.

Philippe Coutinho and Co. in Liverpool training ahead of FA Cup clash with Wolves
Fri, January 27, 2017

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Liverpool were hard at work on Friday night ahead of their clash with Wolves

I understand what Liverpool means

Philippe Coutinho

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“No need to wait. I know. I live this every day, I can smell it. I see the ambition of the club, my team-mates, the manager. I am living it, seeing it,” Coutinho told the Daily Mail.

“Wait to sign? No. No. Now is the right time.”

Coutinho will pocket around £8million a year from his new Reds deal, making hm the highest-paid player at the club.

Liverpool sit fourth in the Premier League – 10 points off leaders Chelsea – and host Wolves in the FA Cup in today’s early kick off (12.30pm).

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Philippe Coutinho (left) signed a new contract at Liverpool this week

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Coutinho's new deal will keep him at Liverpool until 2022

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Coutinho has played 19 games for Liverpool this season

And Coutinho is well aware of what success at Anfield means to the club.

“I understand what Liverpool means. We can say Dalglish, Rush, Hansen, Souness, Suarez, Gerrard. I've been here quite a few years already, it's not like I am new. I understand,” he added.

“To have signed a new contract at this club, my goal is to be thought of one day in the same way as these players.

“They are legends. You define the success of a player by his loyalty or his titles. Or both. In order to be part of this group, I have so much to do.

“I want to win titles. Five years is my new contract… it gives me that opportunity.”

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