'Amazing place' - Philippe Coutinho comments hint at potential Aston Villa transfer

Philippe Coutinho has expressed his delight at being at Aston Villa. The Brazilian is currently back home preparing for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.

The 29-year-old was asked about life after swapping Barcelona for Birmingham back in January, with Villa keen on triggering their £33million buy option over the former Liverpool ace. Speaking to Brazilian TV shortly after arriving for international duty, Coutinho said: "I had a change of club and I was very welcomed by all the players, members of staff and the fans. So I'm in an amazing place right now and I'm very happy to be there."

The playmaker has been a revelation at Villa Park, scoring four and assisting three in his 10 appearances so far. Coutinho has, though, been a little quiet in Villa's most-recent games with West Ham and Arsenal, but head coach Steven Gerrard - who's desperate to sign his former teammate - said: "He's human. At times he's been outstanding."

Outstanding indeed with his showings against Leeds and Southampton oozing class. On his hopes of representing Brazil at Qatar later this year, Coutinho added: "To be in the World Cup, there is still a long way to go. We know that in Brazil there are always new players and talents emerging, so there is always competition for places.

"But I've always felt comfortable within the group. I did receive a lot of criticism before but I'd always been focussed on recovering from my [previous] injury to return to play football and that's what I've been doing since."

Speaking on his desire to sign Coutinho when the transfer window reopens in July, Gerrard recently said: "I think you all know what my decision would be! This is not as straightforward as people think. There's obviously an option in