Philippe Coutinho reveals the Barcelona legend who inspired him growing up
BARCELONA new boy Philippe Coutinho has revealed Ronaldinho was his idol growing up.
Coutinho joined Barcelona last weekend in a deal worth £142million.
The Brazilian, who was formally unveiled in front of the media on Monday, isn’t expected to make his debut for at least three weeks as he is currently nursing a thigh injury.
But when asked before his presentation who he looked up to when growing - a certain ex-Barca star popped to mind.
“To wear the Barcelona shirt was always a dream since I was very young because of the history and greatness of the club," he said in an interview published on Barcelona’s official YouTube channel.
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“In Brazil we idolise players as Romario, Ronaldo and Rivaldo.
"Ronaldinho was always my idol.”
Coutinho, who is covered in tattoos, also explained the significance of each one.
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Philippe Coutinho meets new team-mates on first day of Barcelona training
Tue, January 9, 2018Philippe Coutinho has been getting to know his new team-mates on his first day of training as a Barcelona player
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Philippe Coutinho has been meeting old friends at the Barcelona training ground
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He added: “I like tattoos and I have many.
“I started with the names of my parents, then the name of my wife when we got married and I have a big tattoo of my daughter, which means a lot to me.
"I have another one that reads 'never stop dreaming' and the last one says 'courage', which is a word I like, because we always have to be brave."
