Coutinho speaks on Bayern move, says he wants a longer stay

Philippe Coutinho has expressed his desire for a longer stay at Bayern Munich after leaving Barcelona on a loan deal.

Coutinho joined the Bundesliga champions on Monday, and the loan deal includes an option for Bayern to buy the Brazilian from Barcelona for £109.8m at the end of the season.

He played 75 games with the Catalonians, scoring 21 goals, and winning back-to-back La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey in the process.

“I have a big challenge here and I hope to stay here for a long time and win many titles,” Coutinho said about Bayern.

“There are always big expectations at Bayern and of course the Champions League is a goal and I will do my best to win the Bundesliga, the cup (DFB-Pokal) and the Champions League with my colleagues.

“I was presented with an ambitious project, I’m an ambitious guy, and I talked to Thiago, Rafinha and Lucio, and I’ve heard a lot of good things, they really helped me a lot.

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“I’m hardworking and ambitious, and every time I wear the Bayern jersey, I’ll do the best I can on the field to reach our goals.”

Coutinho will wear the number ten shirt previously worn by Arjen Robben.

“The jersey of FC Bayern and the number ten is a big responsibility,” he added.

“It belonged to Robben, he was a great reference in football. I hope to be able to confirm expectations with good football on the pitch.”