Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique welcome Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona training for first time

Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique applauded Philippe Coutinho as he trained with Barcelona for the first time.

Published on: Jan 21, 2018, 10:36:57 IST

Omnisport | By Anonymous

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Philippe Coutinho has trained with Barcelona for the first time since completing a €160million move from Liverpool.

Philippe Coutinho (L) trained with Lionel Messi and Barcelona for the first time since becoming Catalan giants’ most expensive acquisition earlier this month. (Twitter)

The Brazil international became the Catalan giants’ most expensive acquisition earlier this month but his debut has been delayed by a thigh injury.

(Read | Liverpool F.C. not in a rush to replace Philippe Coutinho, says Jurgen Klopp)

Coutinho’s first appearance in a Barca shirt edged closer on Saturday, though, as he turned out for training with his new team-mates.

Pictures shared on the club’s Twitter account showed the likes of Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique applauding the 25-year-old as he was presented to the rest of the squad.

(Read | I cried a lot (after 2014 exit)…I’ll be more prepared for 2018 World Cup: Neymar)

La Liga leaders Barca visit Real Betis on Sunday.

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