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When the unmistakable Champions League anthem reverberates around a packed Anfield on Tuesday night, Philippe Coutinho will be taken back to his days growing up in Brazil.

The young Coutinho would plonk himself down in front of the television during the late afternoon in anticipation of that famous tune.

It was a precursor to witnessing Brazil’s best players demonstrating their talent in the most prominent club competition in world football.

Ronaldo. Rivaldo. Kaka. And Ronaldinho, a hero of Coutinho.

Names that are etched in Champions League folklore. And names the Liverpool FC man is eager to emulate while creating some European history of his own.

“The Champions League has become a famous tournament in Brazil,” says the diminutive Reds midfielder.

“People are watching it as much as Brazilian football and for me it is certainly an inspiration.

“I remember my time as a youngster in Brazil watching the Champions League games. Usually in Brazil, the Champions League games are on in the afternoon, so I remember watching some.

“We had a few Brazilian players performing so well in the tournament in the past. One of those was Ronaldinho, who is one of my heroes.

“So the Champions League is very important for me personally.”

With Coutinho back in the Brazil squad after missing out on their World Cup nightmare, it is an opportune time to raise his profile in his homeland.

Kaka, of course, didn’t fare too well nine years ago when, as an AC Milan player, he was on the receiving end of Liverpool’s fifth and most recent European Cup triumph in Istanbul.

“I didn’t watch the game back in 2005 but I know the story of the game, like everyone does,” says Coutinho.

“I feel for Kaka but Liverpool won, so….

“Will Steven Gerrard make me watch it again every night? That’s up to him!”

Liverpool return to the Champions League on Tuesday evening with their Group B opener against Bulgarian side Ludogorets at Anfield.

Not since a dismal defeat to Fiorentina in December 2009 has the old stadium played host to the competition, although three of the previous five campaigns saw the Reds reach at least the semi-finals.

The Kop is clearing its voice for another of those patented European nights, an occasion that has left Coutinho rubbing his hands together in anticipation having had his appetite whetted by the atmosphere generated last season by Liverpool’s thrilling title challenge.

“I’m looking forward to experiencing those nights at Anfield,” says Coutinho.

“I know what the atmosphere is like at Anfield as I have been here for almost two years now, but the Champions League will be a new experience.

“There’s a different atmosphere with the Champions League. It’s more like a show or a concert.

“But last season the atmosphere at Anfield was fabulous, not only the night matches but the ones in the day as everybody was so supportive, even before the game when they were waiting outside for the bus to arrive.

“It’s not only important for the fans to be back in the Champions League, but it’s also important for the players. We want to get off to a good start next week and have other good matches along the way.”

The Reds will also battle holders Real Madrid and Swiss side FC Basel – who meet in the Bernabeu on Tuesday – for a place in the knockout stages, with the top two teams progressing from the group.

And Coutinho, who even at 22 is one of few current Liverpool players with Champions League experience having appeared in the competition for Inter Milan, says: “We are confident we can go through to the next round but we know it’ll be difficult. Not just against Real Madrid, but the other two teams (Ludogorets and Basel).

“It’s the Champions League, so of course it is going to be tough. But we are looking forward to getting off to a good start with the fans behind us.

“I believe that we have a strong squad, new players have been brought in and we are in a good position to perform well in the Champions League, without calling ourselves favourites or anything like that.”

In preparation for Liverpool’s return to Europe, boss Brendan Rodgers was busy during the transfer window with Mario Balotelli – briefly a teammate of Coutinho at Inter – the marquee signing.

“His arrival has improved the quality of the squad and training has been more competitive,” says Coutinho.

“It is very good for us to have the competition among the players.

“We have so many choices and options now, so many players to help the team.

“The manager will have to decide on who to play, but obviously I am keen to play.”

Coutinho also believes European football will act as a help rather than hindrance to the bread and butter of the Premier League.

“The big Champions League matches will make the players feel even more motivated and I feel the more big matches we have, the more motivated we will feel,” he says.

“We will try to do our best not only in the Champions League, but in the Premier League as well.

“We will keep our concentration and be thinking about the next games.

“I do not feel it will be a problem to play in both competitions at the same time.

“It is a dream for me to play in the Champions League.”

Cue the music.