AND BARCELONA SIGN PHILIPPE COUTINHO

Philippe Coutinho's perfect response when asked if he'd like Lionel Messi's No. 10 shirt

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Breathe football fans, the Philippe Coutinho saga is finally at an end.

The little Brazilian magician has sealed a £145m move from Liverpool to Barcelona, becoming the second most expensive player of all time - he'll be the third once PSG cough up the £160m for Kylian Mbappe in the summer.

Coutinho is bidding to become the next big Brazilian star at the Nou Camp, following in the footsteps of Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar.

Big shoes to fill.

Watching Ronaldinho when he was growing up played a pivotal role in Coutinho's desire to move to the Blaugrana, with Lionel Messi the other big factor in him citing the club as his 'dream'.

The thought of the two South American's linking up together is mouth-watering, but Coutinho is in no mood to compare himself to the Argentine despite the enormous fee paid for him.

In fact, he certainly knows who is the boss at Barca judging by his reaction when someone suggested he take the number 10 shirt at the club.

COUTINHO'S PERFECT RESPONSE

In an exclusive by the Daily Mail, they write: The conversation turns to his shirt number. "All the numbers have been distributed," he is told.

"What about your favourite, 10?" someone asks.

"No! No! No! There is only one No 10 at Barcelona (Messi)," Coutinho replies with a wide smile. "He is the best player in the world, the ultimate No 10."

It is certainly a touching sentiment for Barca fans, one which further reveals why the Brazilian could not turn down an opportunity to play with a player he views as the finest in the business.

IS COUTINHO BARCA PREPARING FOR POST-MESSI LIFE?

The big question now is, where will Coutinho play? Will Barca groom him for the Andres Iniesta role, or will he be used in attack?

Barca legend Michael Laudrup believes the Brazilian has been brought in to help the club better prepare for life after Messi.

"In recent years, Barcelona have lost some important players: Xavi Hernandez, Neymar and others, like [Carles] Puyol," he said.

"So they need to build on this, even if they are top now, because there will be one day when Messi is not there.

"The only way you can do that, knowing you cannot find a new Messi, is to try to get three, four, five very good players to fill the gap that he will leave."