Steven Gerrard Hails Philippe Coutinho After Brazilian Midfielder Joins Aston Villa Permanently From Barcelona

• Steven Gerard has described Philippe Coutinho as a model professional after the midfielder signed for Aston Villa permanently from Barcelona
• The 29-year-old Brazilian joined the Premier League club on loan in January after failing to get regular playing time at Barcelona
• Coutinho has been an integral member of the Villa side since joining the team and has scored four goals and provided three assists

Steven Gerard is extremely delighted Aston Villa has signed Brazilian midfielder, Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona on a permanent basis.

The 29-year-old had a torrid time at Barcelona after failing to secure game time with the Catalan giants and decided to join the English Premier League club on loan in January.

According to a report via the BBC, Steven Gerard has now hailed Aston Villa’s decision to sign Coutinho on a permanent deal, describing the Brazilian as a role model for younger players.

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"Phil is a model professional and his impact on the group has been very clear since he joined in January.

"With the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch, he's also a valuable role model for our younger players who can only benefit from his experience.

"As we look to build towards next season, it is incredible to work at a club that executes its business so decisively and smoothly."

Coutinho has signed a £17 million contract until 2026 and is said to have taken a pay reduction from his previous deal in Spain.

Coutinho believes Aston Villa can achieve great things next season

Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho has spoken for the first time since completing a permanent transfer to join English Premier League side, Aston Villa.

According to Birmingham Live, Coutinho thanked his teammates and manager, who he says has made him feel welcomed and believes Aston Villa will achieve greater things next season.

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The Brazilian, who is set to take a 70 percent pay cut to join Villa has been an important signing for the Premier League side after scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists.

Aston Villa unveil shirt number for new signing Coutinho

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Aston Villa has unveiled the latest signing Philippe Coutinho, and assigned a shirt number to a Brazilian playmaker.

The 29-year-old was officially presented as a Villa player late on Tuesday night and will wear the No 23 shirt after moving from Barcelona to Villa Park on loan this week.

The Midland club will have to pay about £33million to sign Coutinho permanently this summer from Barcelona, who still fund half of his wages this season.