‘Lies’ - Philippe Coutinho hits out angrily as he breaks silence on Aston Villa future

Aston Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho has taken to social media to hit out at ‘lies’ surrounding his future. The former Liverpool and Barcelona star, who is yet to play a single minute under Unai Emery due to injury, has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa in January.

“In the last few days I’ve seen a lot of news with my name but so far, okay, the problem is now that some lies have started and I’m here to clarify,” Coutinho wrote on his Instagram page. “Never and at any moment had any kind of conversation of mine asking to leave the club, because I’m happy here and my family too.”

The 30-year-old made a strong return to the Premier League after signing last January but he is yet to rediscover those heights this season. Coutinho played 19 times on loan from Barcelona last term, scoring five and assisting three more, but he has not registered a single direct goal contribution in 2022/23.

A lot of his struggles have been down to the many injury setbacks he has suffered, but he could soon be back near his best. “My only focus now that I’m recovered from injury is to work at the maximum every day, Coutinho continued. “[I want] to play in a high level and help the club and my teammates to achieve our goals.”

It had been widely reported that Coutinho had ‘asked’ if he could leave Villa Park for a move back to his home country, Brazil, but the player himself has now debunked this speculation. Coutinho could still depart, but for now he is focused on life in the West Midlands.