Philippe Coutinho wants to become as important to Brazil’s national team as he is to Liverpool.
Brazil head coach Dunga named Coutinho to Brazil’s latest national team squad Thursday. Upon hearing the news, a delighted Coutinho told LiverpoolFC.com he wants to become a regular starter for the five-time world champion.
“Every time I see my name on the Brazil list I feel very happy,” Coutinho said. “My objective is to always be playing and starting games — but being part of this squad is in itself a massive satisfaction for me.
“It’s a great honor to wear my country’s national jersey. Brazil have lots of quality players and while it’s difficult to secure a regular place, my goal is to be always fighting for my place on the team.”
Coutinho could appear in Brazil’s upcoming games against France on March 26 and Chile on March 29.
Former Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe Scoalri omitted Coutinho from Brazil’s 2014 FIFA World Cup team, but Dunga recalled him instantly to the “Seleção.”
Coutinho was a starter when he debuted for Brazil against Iran in 2010 but was a substitute in the four national-team appearances he made in late 2014.
But Coutinho, 22, has blossomed into a bona-fide Premier League star in recent months. If he carries his club form onto the international stage, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be singing Brazil’s national anthem on the field along with Neymar and other starters in the coming weeks and months.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@BrasilGlobeTour
