Philippe Coutinho: Barcelona career is in the past - I want long stay at Bayern Munich

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Ben Hayward19 August 2019

Philippe Coutinho claims Barcelona is "in the past" and says that he hopes to spend "many years" at Bayern Munich after completing a move on loan to the Bundesliga giants on Monday.

Bayern confirmed that the Brazilian had signed up for the 2019-20 season and the two clubs have an option to make the move permanent next summer, but Coutinho revealed he is not thinking about a return to Camp Nou.

The 27-year-old was presented to the media at the Allianz Arena on Monday and said: "At Barca, things did now work out as we wanted, but that is in the past. Now I'm ready to stay here for many years.

"I have gained experience, won titles and learnt so much, but now I'm here and focused on Bayern. When (Bayern sporting director) Hasan [Salihamidzic] asked me if I want to come here, I had no doubt."

New challenge: Coutinho poses with his new Bayern Munich jersey at his unveiling. Photo: Bongarts/Getty Images
Bongarts/Getty Images

"But this is now history. I hope to stay here a long time and win many titles.

Coutinho will wear the number 10 shirt at Bayern, which previously belonged to Dutch winger Arjen Robben.

"It's a big responsibility," he said. "The number is prestigious. Robben had it before me. It has some history. I know that and I hope to fulfil the big expectations."

And asked about his position on the pitch, the Brazilian said: "I will play where the coach puts me. But what I like it most to play as a no. 10, in the centre, where I can move around. That is where I'm most comfortable."

Moving on: Coutinho struggled to meet Barcelona's lofty expectations after his £142m move. Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

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