I was so anxious for it to be my turn, for the manager to read the letter from my mum. I waited and waited for it. The manager had spoken to the mothers of every player in the team; he'd been reading a message before every game for months, and finally my turn had come.

Philippe Coutinho

Most of the youngsters I grew up playing with do not have a career in the game now. Sometimes people think it is easy to be a footballer, but it is hard work that never stops.

Philippe Coutinho

I don't like to talk about myself. I don't want to talk about what I do, what I think I do. The position I play on the pitch, I am expected - and I expect - to create chances for my team-mates and score goals.

Philippe Coutinho

If there is something that needs to be done on my behalf back home, for example, my brothers take care of it for me. I share everything with my family; all my happiness and success is theirs.

Philippe Coutinho

I try to enjoy the moment, I like to play football, and every time I go on the pitch, I try my best.

Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool is a great club worldwide. I'm here, and I will give my best as always. I'm working hard; my thoughts are on the team's goals, making a good season.

Philippe Coutinho

I want to show that I have the same attitude to the game and personality that my hero had. I only ever met Ronaldinho once, at a charity event in Rio.

Philippe Coutinho

First, you have to play good football so that you get to play for a good team. Then, hopefully, you achieve such a level that you are invited to play for your national side, in time for a World Cup if possible. Then, obviously, play a good World Cup. That's my dream.

Philippe Coutinho

At Liverpool, I studied Steven Gerrard all the time and improved my game that way. Here, I absorb all I can from Iniesta and Messi.

Philippe Coutinho

Where we lived was a nice residential area, but if you know Rio, you understand you can be 100 metres from a favela. It could be a little dangerous on the streets, especially at night.

Philippe Coutinho

It's just such an honour to be spoken about by Steven Gerrard in such a way, that I might also become such a great player for Liverpool. He is an icon, one of my personal football heroes.

Philippe Coutinho

Football is more disputed in England than it is in Italy. Every match is a very hard match because the referee doesn't blow his whistle as much as in Italy, and every team plays against each other like it is a final. I enjoy it more in England because you have to think quicker. The pace of the game is faster, so you don't have much time to think.

Philippe Coutinho

I know I have to be ready for every single ball, every pass, every challenge. Everything has to be at 100%.

Philippe Coutinho

I will go to Rio to support Brazil even if I'm not in the squad.

Philippe Coutinho

I work hard on the precision of my long shots, but you can't plan it in games. Sometimes it all just opens up for you to give it a try.

Philippe Coutinho

I have no idea if anyone is watching me from the Brazil national team, but the best way to have a chance is to do well for Liverpool.

Philippe Coutinho

My parents eventually moved back to Brazil, so since then, it has been me and my wife, although they are always involved.

Philippe Coutinho

I like to smile when I am playing because I try to show people that I am enjoying myself, and I think Ronaldinho did the same.

Philippe Coutinho

You have to think and act quickly. You have to quickly come up with a solution to beat a player, because most of the time, you are in a one-v-one.

Philippe Coutinho

When I come onto the pitch, that's when I'm able to get into that zone and forget about everything else other than just doing my job. But even then, it's not a job. It's playing football, and that's something I love.

Philippe Coutinho

I only ever met Ronaldinho once, at a charity event in Rio. Once every year, he stages a game and invites different players and personalities to play and raise money for his charity.

Philippe Coutinho