Coutinho on futsal, Suarez and haircuts

For every Anfield clash, a series of questions were put to each player to discover more about their careers and lives away from the pitch.

Over the next few weeks, Liverpoolfc.com will be reproducing those interviews for you to enjoy - and we continue the 'In My Life' series today with Philippe Coutinho, who explains why futsal helped him develop the skills that have won over LFC fans and tells us he has the best haircut at Melwood...

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First team...

Mangueira football club. It was a five-a-side team in the area of Rio where I used to live. I think I was six or seven years old when first I started playing for them. It was very enjoyable and I made some good friends.

Brazilian skills...

I think playing small-sided games from a young age helps a lot of players from my country to develop their technique. In those games you have to think quickly and there is not much space. People play on the beach too, so again that helps to improve your touch.

Brazil, Italy, Spain and now England...

Obviously football is different in each country. In England it is played at a very high pace, a speed that I found amazing at first. The experiences I've had in different leagues should help me to become a better player.

First pair of boots...

I'm not sure. But I do remember that when I joined Vasco da Gama I had Umbro boots because they sponsored the team. We were all given their boots for free.

First time you saw your name in the paper...

When you see your name mentioned it is fantastic because it means you are doing well or people have noticed how you are playing. I think the first time for me would have been when I was called up for the Brazil U15 team. It was a proud moment for my family.

Favourite shirt...

Obviously I like the Liverpool shirt but it's got to be Vasco da Gama for me. I spent a lot of time there - over 10 years - and they are my team.

Family ties...

You won't be surprised to hear that in my house we have always supported Vasco da Gama. In Rio there are four big teams; Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo and Vasco, but because I started playing for Vasco they became our club and still are. Although my family now support Liverpool too.

First football memories...

I don't know who it was against, but I remember attending a Vasco game when I was a kid. Like everyone at home, I also watched the Brazil team on the TV quite a lot.

Favourite other sport...

I've only really ever played football. That's always been my favourite sport. Does table tennis count as a sport? I like to play that when I have some free time.

Favourite stadium...

I think most Brazilian people would say the Maracana. It has a lot of history and means so much to our country.

Player you'd love to line up alongside...

Ronaldinho Gaucho. He has always been my idol because he is such a skilful player. I would love to play with him one day in the future.

Music...

I grew up listening to a lot of Brazilian folk music. That is my favourite type. I recently downloaded an album by Revelação, who are one of the best folk bands. I'm not sure too many of the other players here would like it.

Wise words...

The best advice I've ever received was from my parents. They've always told me to do everything the right way, always give 100 per cent and always respect everyone. That applies to football and everything else in life and I try to live that way. My family helps me a lot, which means I can just concentrate on playing.

Movies...

I like drama but comedy is my favourite type of movie. I would rather watch a funny movie than a serious one. The last one I looked at was a comedy about a couple having a baby. I think it was called 'The Pregnancy', or that's how the title translated in Portuguese. I watched it a few days ago and it's very funny.

Languages...

I can speak a few now. Obviously Portuguese is my first language. Since I left Brazil I've lived in Spain and Italy so I can speak a little bit of Spanish and Italian. I'm still learning English, I need to do a lot of work on it.

Funniest teammate...

Luis Suarez always makes me laugh. He usually has a smile on his face. I get on well with him both on and off the pitch.

Quietest...

Sebastian Coates. He doesn't say too much. He's always very relaxed.

Worst dresser...

I don't think I've been here long enough to comment on who has the best or worst clothes in the squad. Everyone has their own style.  

Best haircut...

I'll have to say mine. [Laughs] I'm happy with it.

Summer hols...

I will go back to Brazil to see my friends and family. There will also be some sunshine and I'll watch the Confederations Cup.

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