Football
Mike Whalley 9y

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho signs new contract that runs until 2020

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

Coutinho, 22, has put pen to paper on a new deal at Anfield which, sources have told ESPN FC, runs until 2020.

The Brazil international, who arrived from Inter Milan for 8.5 million pounds in January 2013, has extended a deal that previously ran until 2018.

Coutinho has started 17 of the Reds' 23 Premier League games this season, scoring twice, and has been a key part of their push for Champions League qualification.

Manager Brendan Rodgers described the 22-year-old as a "magician" at a news conference on Monday, adding that he has the potential to become a world-class player.

Liverpool were keen to reward the midfielder, who began his career in his homeland with Vasco de Gama, and talks with his representatives moved towards a quick resolution before the deal was confirmed.

Coutinho told Liverpool's website: "I'm really happy. It's a dream come true playing for this great club and being part of this squad.

"Today I've committed my future to the club and for this I'm feeling very pleased.

"This club is great and the fans have always supported me, so I've been eager to sign this new deal since conversations started. Today is a very happy day.

"It means so much. This club has given me the opportunity to play and believed in me even though I hadn't been playing regularly at my previous club.

"I've had a great reception since my first day here. As I always say, Liverpool is a big family and I'm a happy person here."

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