Blood Red: Liverpool FC new boy Coutinho is ‘pure’ class

Feb 2 2013 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL new boy Philippe Coutinho got a warmer reception at Melwood than the one he received after first linking up with the Inter squad.

The skilful Brazilian had just arrived from Vasco da Gama in 2010 when he nut-megged Inter defender Marco Materazzi in training.

“When I got back in the dressing room the masseur promised me that if I did that again he would buy me snacks for the rest of the week, Materazzi told me he’d put me in hospital,” Coutinho said.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers won’t have to worry about the midfielder’s activities outside the club as Coutinho is teetotal and a devout Christian.

“I’m not a nightclub-goer,” he said.

“I don’t drink alcohol and I don’t have any tattoos. I pursue happiness through other avenues. Shall we talk about how great it is to have God inside of us?”