Liverpool F.C. midfielder Philippe Coutinho says he would be delighted to discuss a new contract with the club, as he looks forward to playing in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2011/12 season.
Coutinho, 22, joined Liverpool from Internazionale for a bargain fee of £8.5 million, having since established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in England’s top-flight.
The Brazilian maestro, whose current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2018, played a vital part in Liverpool’s unprecedented title run last season, tallying five goals and seven assists in 33 English Premier League appearances.
“I’d be happy to analyse a new contract,” Coutinho said. “It is very important for me to play in the Champions League but staying does not rely only on that.
“It relies on other things, like being happy.”
Between 2010 and 2012, Coutinho made nine Champions League appearances for Internazionale, and the 22-year-old is looking forward to returning to the competition this Tuesday, when Liverpool play host to Ludogorets at Anfield.
“I have heard a lot about the European nights at this club,” added Coutinho.
“I can only imagine the atmosphere will be fabulous, because it seems to me that the atmosphere at Anfield is always fabulous, even for ordinary games in the afternoon.
“I am aware of Liverpool’s history in the competition as well and the players are just as excited as the fans at being back in the event.
“We are confident we can make it to the next stage but we know it will be tough. Not just against Real Madrid but Ludogorets and Basel too.
“We are looking forward to getting off to a good start and we know we will have the fans behind us.”
Malouda joins Metz
French Ligue 1 side Metz have completed the signing of former Chelsea and Olympique Lyonnais winger Florent Malouda on a one-year deal.
The deal, which includes an option to extend for an additional year, comes after Malouda was released by Trabzonspor.
The 34-year-old chose to return to France despite interest from several clubs in England, India, Italy, and the United States.
“When my contract was cancelled with Trabzonspor, I had no agent and it was the end of the transfer market, but it was not a problem,” Malouda said.
“I could study peacefully the different propositions that came from Serie A, Premier League, India and USA.
“I have been really taken with the Metz project.
“It is a historic club in Ligue 1 with a young group, and where I will have big responsibilities on the pitch.”
Malouda bagged five goals in 19 Süper Lig appearances for Trabzonspor last term.
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