Future Inter Star Philippe Coutinho Revels In Pato Comparisons

Future Inter Star Philippe Coutinho Revels In Pato Comparisons


The Brazilian starlet will become Nerazzurro in two years and hopes to overshadow his illustrious compatriot on the other side of the city.

Inter pounced to secure the services of teenage trequartista Philippe Coutinho from Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama last July.
It was a major coup for the Beneamata as 16-year-old Coutinho was on the radar of other European powerhouses, including Real Madrid and Barcelona.

However, the San Siro crowd will have to wait two more years to admire his skills because Italian laws prevent clubs from registering underage players.

“I know that the Brazilian press talk about me as the new [Alexandre] Pato,” Coutinho is quoted as saying on Calciomercato.it.

“I am happy with these comparisons and I am not scared - I am sure of my abilities.

“I went to Appiano Gentile last January and watched Inter play at the San Siro. It was really exciting and it’s amazing that I could play there one day.”

Inter paid a fee in the region of €4 million to land the rising star, who is already part of the Brazilian Under-17 setup, but he will remain on loan at Vasco da Gama until 2010