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Philippe Coutinho explains timing of new Liverpool contract
PHILIPPE COUTINHO insists he signed a new Liverpool contract at exactly the right time - because they will be challenging for titles for the next five years.
Ian Rush: Liverpool can cope without Philippe Coutinho
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.
I understand what Liverpool means
“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).
Philippe Coutinho (left) signed a new contract at Liverpool this week
Coutinho's new deal will keep him at Liverpool until 2022
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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