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"My dreams are to become a champion with Inter and then play for Brazil in 2014 with Pato and Neymar."

Milan - "Philippe Coutinho has a very quick head," Benitez told us when he visited Gazzetta.  "He is Brazilian but has a head very European.  He is humble, attentive and eager to learn."  The technical director Branca said that "you will have fun, I guarantee it" regarding the Brazilian.  Born in Rio de Janeiro, Mangueira district, Philippe is the "coconut" (the youngest?) of his family, as the two elder brothers are 38 (Cristiano) and 32 years old (Leandro).  The oldest was with him in these early days in Italy, and dad Jose Carlos and mom Esmeraldina will have to give him up the moment Inter return from the United States.  For now, they are living in a hotel, same as Benitez.

Coutinho, will you choose Milan or a home near Lake Como?

"Milan, I'll live in Milan."

To have the clubs near your hands?

"No, no (he laughs).  Clubs are not for me, I've already said it.  I am a quite boy, I love working and I will not be so foolish to waste this important opportunity.  I grew up in a poor area and I know the true values, my family is an example of this."

Do you have many friends in Mangueira?

"I have friends and I met my girlfriend Aine there also.  We lived near each other and we met for the first time during a party."

Is there another Coutinho in Mangueira?

"For now no but my friends are delighted about my new adventure.  I am at Inter, a team quite popular in Rio de Janeiro, thanks to Ronaldo and Adriano."

And at Inter you feel a bit like home.

"Julio Cesar and Maicon met me a few years ago when I was in Italy.  For Lucio, I will be seeing him for the first time.  It is crazy.  These people I was rooting for in front of the television and now they are my teammates."

The first impact with Inter?

"Great, here I breath special air.  I am at a big club.  The facilities are extraordinary and they are made in four to make me feel good."

Just like captain Zanetti?

"Yes, he follows me giving me advices.  He is an example, a great player.  He won everything in his career and yet remains simple."

Balotelli is leaving Inter.  Inter have stated that they are not in a hurry on the market because they are betting on Coutinho.  How do you feel?

"It's beautiful and inspiring.  I feel ready for great football.  I am here to learn, and I have a lot to learn but the coach can count on me immediately."

What type of player are you?

"I love to move behind the strikers, and in a 4-2-3-1, I can play as Sneijder or even from the left.  Yes, I love playing fron the wings."

Like Ronaldinho?

"Yes, exactly."

Where do you think that you need to improve the most?

"I need to put on some muscle.  In Italy we play very physical, though in Brazil, we have big defenders."

Careca compared you to Zico?

"Calm down with the comparisons, it's early."

Tell us about Pato?
"A phenomenon, even at 17 years old he was an ace in Brazil, won a lot.  He is very impressive and continues to grow.  He has adapted nicely and immediately to Italy, things that can only be achieved by great players.  For me, he is a model."

What is Coutinho's dream?

"Win and become great with Inter, then I will aim for Brazil 2014."

And the attack for that Brazil?

"I will keep on dreaming and say Coutinho behind Pato and Neymar."

Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport