Agent: Phil was sold on Villa project

PHILIPPE Coutinho’s agent has revealed the influence Steven Gerrard had on the player’s decision to sign for Villa.

The club confirmed the loan signing of the former Liverpool ace last week, with Coutinho in line to make his debut against Manchester United on Saturday.

Reports suggest Villa beat off competition from a number of other clubs for the Brazilian’s signature, with one big factor being the relationship between Coutinho and head coach Gerrard, who played alongside each other at Anfield.

Agent Kia Joorabchian outlined how a chat between the two helped to sell the

Villa project to the player.

“Steven and Philippe had spoken with each other,” he said. “That was done and dusted because they know each other quite well for many years and they are good friends.

“When they spoke about the way Aston Villa has grown over the last few years and where Steven wants to take them and what Philippe is going to provide, I think that was the end of that. It was quite fast, to be honest.

“I think for Phil, the relationship with Steven was the key and the way that Steven presented the project that was the moment

Philippe made up his mind.”

Coutinho had a successful time in his last spell in the Premier League, leading to a £142 million transfer to Barcelona.

Joorabchian said the player had set his heart on a return to England this month.

“When we set out in January to ask Barcelona that we’d like to move, we weren’t really considering other leagues. He really wanted to come back, he missed the Premier League,” he added.

“He’s had a good experience in La Liga, won multiple leagues and cups but ultimately the Premier League, that’s the way he wants to move forward.”