Steven Gerrard states he can recognize why plethora of clubs are after “special” Philippe Coutinho, but would not be drawn on Aston Villa’s rivet.
Villa are one of six English clubs in the queue to sign the Barca midfielder, with Coutinho eager to go back to the Premier League and anticipated to make a decision on his future prior this weekend.
Gerrard, who appraise Coutinho as a friend following their time together at Liverpool, did not want to add to hypothesizing, but was full of praise for him at Thursday’s news conference.
“Sixty-three caps for Brazil, a serial winner, was incredible at Liverpool, so I can understand why he’s linked to a lot of football clubs,” stated Gerrard, ahead of Monday’s FA Cup third-round draw at Manchester United.
“I can understand why a lot of supporters up and down the country are speaking about him. I don’t think you get a nickname as a magician if you’re not a special footballer, so he’s someone I have an incredible amount of respect for.”
“But I don’t want to add to any speculation, because he belongs to Barcelona.”
The former Liverpool player wants to go back to England and sign for a progressive club where he can play regularly.
