体坛英语新闻：Coutinho presented as new Barcelona player

MADRID, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Football Club Barcelona on Monday presented their new signing Phillipe Coutinho to the public and press at the Camp Nou Stadium.

The Brazilian, who is an attacking midfielder, joined Barca on a deal worth around 160 million euros from Liverpool on Saturday, ending a chase for the player which had lasted since the summer.

The deal makes him Barca's most expensive signing ever and the second most expensive player ever following Neymar's move from the Camp Nou to Pais Saint Germain.

Countinho has signed a five and a half year deal and has a buyout clause of 400 million euros and Barcelona view him as the long-term replacement for veteran Spain international, Andres Iniesta.

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu said the player was one of the club's main targets and thanked Liverpool for allowing him to leave.

Meanwhile the player, who previously spent a spell with Barca's neighbors, Espanyol, commented it was a dream for him to be able to play in the Camp Nou.

Although Countinho won't be able to play for Barca in the Champions League this season as he has played for Liverpool in the competition. He will be able to play in the Liga Santander, which his side lead by nine points from Atletico Madrid, and also the King's Cup knockout tournament, although an injury means he won't make his Barca debut until February.