PHILIPPE COUTINHO has dealt Manchester United and Chelsea a blow by ruling out a return to Premier League as he insists his future lies in Barcelona.
The 26-year-old has struggled for form since joining the Catalan club from Liverpool for £142million last year, leading to speculation he could be on his way back to England.
Despite featuring in 44 games for Barca this season, the Brazilian international isn’t a regular starter at the Nou Camp.
Despite featuring in 44 games for Barca this season, the Brazilian international isn’t a regular starter at the Nou Camp.
But the ex-Inter Milan midfielder has revealed he has no plans to leave in the summer as he targets more trophies with the Blaugrana.
Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Coutinho said: “This is my second season here. I have won titles but I am always an ambitious and demanding player.
“So, I want more and more. But I’m happy. I wanted to play in Spain and I’m at the best club in Spain.”
While he also added: “My head is exclusively in Barcelona.
“Returning to England now does not fit into my plans.”
Coutinho – who has chipped in with 10 goals and five assists this campaign – will return to England imminently as Barca face United in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Speaking of the clash against the Red Devils, he said: “If they boo
“And, even more than that, it is an incentive to play better and to be even more focused.
“I know that games against Manchester United are special. I learned what they meant during my time at Liverpool when we lived it so intensely with the fans.”