PHILIPPE COUTINHO is confident he will have no problems adapting to the Premier League after completing his £8.6million transfer from Inter Milan.

Coutinho yesterday put pen to paper on a long-term contract at Anfield to take Brendan Rodgers’ spending to more than £50m.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre revealed the club had fended off “strong competition” to sign the 20-year-old Brazil international midfielder.

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While Coutinho, who has been awarded a work permit, is eager to hit the ground running, he may have to wait until after Sunday’s visit to Manchester City having returned to Milan for the formality of gaining his visa.

But the Brazilian believes his game can swiftly adapt to the unique demands of English football.

“I'm feeling very happy,” said Coutinho, who will wear the vacant number 10 shirt.

“It's a very important step in my career and I'm expecting to come here and play good football to give my contribution on the pitch.

“It's been a rush, a lot of medicals and we finally signed the deal. I'm ready to play.”

Coutinho added: “I'm a player who likes to make moves and to play along with the attack, passing as well as scoring. I like dribbling and playing near to the box – that is a strength I have.

“I'm very confident I can adapt to English football and excited to come and start to train with the team and be available to the manager. I've been playing in Italy for two-and-a-half years and I believe I will adapt with ease here.”

Liverpool manager Rodgers has not given up hope of further augmenting his squad ahead of the transfer deadline having already captured Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea for £12m this month.

Coutinho will be the fifth Brazilian to represent Liverpool after Fabio Aurelio, Diego Cavalieri, Doni and Lucas Leiva.

And the new boy reveals conversations with compatriot Lucas helped convince him moving to Anfield was the right choice.