Inter introduces Philippe Coutinho Correia

Two years after signing him from Vasco da Gama, Inter introduced Philippe Coutinho Correia to Inter fans today.

Correia, who is 18, is one of the rising stars in Brazilian football and cost Inter 3.8 million euros two years ago. After Inter signed him, Coutinho was loaned back to Vasco for the last two years so that he could gain more experience.

When introducing the player, Rafa Benitez called the attacking midfielder as “a young player with lots of quality. He can be the future of the club and we expect him to do very well for us.”

Here are some of the comments that Coutinho made during the press conference:

“I am very happy to be here, I hope to lots of titles and give a lot of satisfaction to all the Inter fans. ..”My position? I’m a midfielder. I like to play behind the strikers and attack, so yes, I’m a bit like Sneijder. My role models? Robinho and Kaka. The comparisons with Pato? It’s flattering, but we’re two different players. He’s a striker, I’m more a midfielder.”

On joining a team that has a strong Brazilian contingent Correia said:

“Having the chance to play with Brazilian players like Julio Cesar, Maicon and Lucio is a dream come true. I used to see them on TV and now I will be training with them. Now I want to learn Italian quickly and settle down as quickly as possible. I’m a new face in Italian football so I have to show what I can do. The national team? It’s still a long way off. First I have to do well for Inter and play well in Serie A. But it is my dream to be called up to my national team.”

I hope that Correia gets some playing time when Inter tours the U.S. this summer as I am really looking forward to seeing him play.