Breaking news from the North West this past Wednesday: a footballer who is not interested in China. Or Barcelona. A brilliantly gifted playmaker, arguably the most creative force in the league. Philippe Coutinho is staying with Liverpool.

OK, so the rest of the day and the positive narrative was spoiled by a 1-0 defeat by Southampton to rule out a Wembley final next month but this was a 'statement' announcement, according to Jurgen Klopp, when negotiations were swift and a record deal speedily agreed.

It's easy to see why when in the company of a young man so shy he blushes when attempting to put his words into English, although he is anything but bashful with a football at his feet. And he loves his uncomplicated life on Merseyside.

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho at home with his wife Aine and daughter Maria

Coutinho's interview was without explosive threats or boastful predictions

COUTINHO'S CAREER 2008–2013: Inter Milan 2009–2010: Vasco da Gama (loan) 2012: Espanyol (loan) 2013–present: Liverpool INTERNATIONAL 2010–present: Brazil Appearances: 23 Goals: 6 Advertisement

This is an interview without explosive threats or boastful predictions. Asked to explain himself as a footballer, he stops the conversation to find out what 'playmaker' means.

Once it is explained, he says sheepishly: 'I don't like to talk about myself. I don't want to talk about what I do, what I think I do. The position I play on the pitch, I am expected — and I expect — to create chances for my team-mates and score goals.

'The No 10 shirt? Yes, I understand what it means in Brazil. The icon number. Yes, it's important. It is the number given to a creative player and I am happy to have that responsibility, but it is not your shirt number that defines you, it is what you do with a football.'

Two losses this week — to Swansea in the Premier League and Southampton in the EFL Cup — have diluted his pleasure of returning from injury, although he says here: 'We have to put those results behind us and return to our best form quickly.'

Wolves will find out if that happens in the lunchtime FA Cup kick-off on Saturday, with successive domestic cup defeats unthinkable.

Skilful Brazilian forward Coutinho relaxes at home by playing table football

Coutinho has recently signed a new long-term contract to commit his future to Liverpool

COUTINHO'S STATS THIS SEASON Appearances: 19 Minutes played: 1298 Goals: 6 Assists: 7 Chances created: 46 Passing accuracy: 83.78 per cent Advertisement

Liverpool are heading towards where they expect to be, but Coutinho could have been tempted to wait until the end of the season to commit, in order to monitor their transfer ambition and confirm their Champions League participation next season. But he is certain with his response to the idea.

'No need to wait. I know. I live this every day, I can smell it. I see the ambition of the club, my team-mates, the manager. I am living it, seeing it. Wait to sign? No. No. Now is the right time.

'I understand what Liverpool means. We can say Dalglish, Rush, Hansen, Souness, Suarez, Gerrard. I've been here quite a few years already, it's not like I am new. I understand.

'To have signed a new contract at this club, my goal is to be thought of one day in the same way as these players. They are legends. You define the success of a player by his loyalty or his titles. Or both. In order to be part of this group, I have so much to do.

'I want to win titles. Five years is my new contract . . . it gives me that opportunity.'

His contract is a commitment of some scale at a time when there is plenty of transfer money available and many of his agency stable-mates have departed for the great haul of China.

Asked to explain himself as a footballer, he stops the chat to find out what 'playmaker' means

The Brazilian 24-year-old performs his trademark celebration during the game of table football

Dalglish, Rush, Gerrard. I want to be thought of like that. Coutinho on Liverpool legends

This idea elicits a brief answer. 'China, no. I am not interested. I don't think about that, not for one moment. My football is here. My heart is here. I don't think about any other club. Not at all.'

Courted by the Spanish media, Coutinho, 24, was front-page news recently when Sport reported: 'Objetivo Coutinho' and insisted he had 'Barcelona DNA . . . a Brazilian of pure talent'. He is aware of the noise, but shakes his head to deny the appeal.

'I believe in finding somewhere you can express yourself, play without fear, play with everything you have. When you find that place, stay. This club, Liverpool, it has a plan. To be back on the top and that's what I believe in. I want to be part of that.

'From the owner, the manager, my team-mates. There is nothing that stops us competing with the big clubs. Clubs in England. Clubs in Europe. Yes, clubs like Barcelona. Why not?' He repeats the question a second time.

The Reds star has recently returned to action after picking up an injury back in November

Coutinho, Sadio Mane (left) and Roberto Firmino (right) are key members of Liverpool's attack

'This is a great club. I remember how helpful everyone was when I first came to England, like a family. They made me welcome, comfortable. They removed any obstacles, they allowed me to think first about football and second about football. I remember that.

'For certain, I am comfortable here, my family is comfortable here. No doubts.'

The only time there was discomfort was when an ankle injury ruled him out from November until early January.

'Oh I did not like that at all,' he said. 'Anfield is a great stadium, the people there create amazing noise and support — but I did not enjoy the experience of watching from the stands. It made me sad. I wanted only to play and I don't wish to experience that again.'

Central to his feeling of belonging is the need to feel 'at home'. A grey day on Merseyside hardly compares to Carnival time in Brazil but there can be few South Americans who have felt quite so at ease in England since Ossie Ardiles.

Coutinho signed a new Liverpool contract worth over £200,000 per week

Coutinho and manager Jurgen Klopp shake hands after he committed his future to the club

Coutinho with his wife and young daughter

Coutinho's house, a 15-minute drive from the training ground, is packed with friends and family, cooking pots boil in the kitchen and there is warmth in his words, even though he still insists: 'I am sorry, my English, it's not good . . . ' It's good enough.

'This place is never empty and this is how I like it,' he says before returning to play table football. There are super-hero posters on his walls and he wears a Nike T-shirt with the words: 'The Off Season — It's On'. His wife Aine and daughter Maria are happy to smile for our camera.

Back on the pitch, with Chelsea disappearing into the distance, it seems Liverpool must compete with Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United for the remaining three Champions League places, but the suggestion is met with a frown.

'It's a tough league, yes. You say Chelsea win the league, but we are giving up on nothing,' he insists. 'We have to fight for the title, this season and the next season.

'We had a setback against Swansea and Chelsea are a good team. I like Eden Hazard and Willian, they are the hardest opponents, but that is the ambition of our club too. We have to fight for the best, compete and continue to compete. That is what this club must demand from all of us. That is why I am here.'

He is pleased to see Steven Gerrard has returned to the club to work with development squad

Coutinho hopes to follow in the footsteps of Liverpool icons Kenny Dalglish (left) and Ian Rush

He has noted the Champions Wall at the entrance to the training ground, a reminder of Liverpool's history — their 18 titles and five European Cup wins. All before Coutinho arrived from an unhappy spell at Inter Milan in 2013.

Since then he has burst into the Brazilian team, where he has six goals in 23 senior appearances. As with Liverpool, there is more to come. Now he has the platform.

'There are two parts to this decision (to sign for five years): first the ambition of the club and then my family . . . they are with me.

'Every player here is treated well. The club supports us and allows us to focus on the football. Not just me, everyone. Nothing special for me. There is a structure to help.

The midfielder loves his uncomplicated life on Merseyside, where he lives with his family

Coutinho wheels away to celebrate his Premier League goal against Tottenham last season

'When a new player comes, especially from abroad, they have a team to support the wife, the family. When I go to play, I can concentrate and play. It is professional, professional like a big club.'

Typically, his home has a giant screen and a games room, but he does not spend hours watching football. 'I am not obsessed,' he explains. 'I don't watch lots of matches. I like to play, to be part of the English game.

'The qualities of England? Intensi-dade (intensity)! Yes, always. That is the word I would use to explain to people in Brazil. And then fast, the ball never stops, the rhythm and speed. Aggression? Yes, but intensi-dade more.'

Which bring us naturally to Klopp, a man who has made a big impression. Coutinho has to have Klopp's 'Heavy Metal football' style from Germany explained with punches of fist in hand before he says with a smile: 'I don't know this phrase . . . but I know what I see.

Coutinho arrived from an unhappy spell at Inter Milan in 2013 - and he hasn't looked back

Coutinho has formed a good relationship with his boss Klopp (pictured together this month)

He will be a success here. I have total confidence. Coutinho on Klopp

'The main thing I love about this manager is that he doesn't do things for the sake of it. He explains everything, give us an understanding of what and why. It creates an enjoyment. He will be a success here, 100 per cent. I have total confidence in that.'

He is pleased too to see Steven Gerrard has returned to the club to work with the development squad. 'He is my favourite player since I came to England,' says the little Brazilian.

'I learned a lot and I loved to see how he understands and organises a game. It is incredible. He's a big influence and personality, his presence around the club. I am happy to see him back. I hope he can share in the success we strive for. He taught me a lot.'

Coutinho has scored five Premier League goals this season, including this one against Watford