Philippe Coutinho: 'Champions League debut was a unique feeling'

Philippe Coutinho, FC Barcelona's 26-year-old midfielder, who last season was unable to play for Barça in the UEFA Champions League after having appeared for Liverpool earlier in the season, finally made his blaugrana debut in Europe's top club competition.

It came on Tuesday night at Camp Nou, when Barça cruised past visiting PSV Eindhoven in the first game of Group B.

Here are the highlights of what Coutinho had to say about his long-awaited Barça debut in the Champions League.

On his debut:

"Making my Champions League debut was a unique feeling. I was very anxious before the game. Last year I couldn’t play in this competition, and I hope that I can help the team.”

“Whenever Barça competes, it’s for the title. And since it was in the Champions League, it’s what everyone — coaches, players and fans — wants, and we will battle on the field."

On the team's goals:

"I hope we can fight for all the titles and for big things. Of course everything has just begun, but we have big objectives and we hope to win important things.”

"The fans and the players really want to win. The match against the PSV was special, like all Champions League games. Also, because it was in front of our fans.”

On contributing:

"I hope to help the team in whatever way I can. I work hard every day to be prepared when I take the field and, regardless of where I play, to help my teammates.”

On Leo Messi's stellar performance:

"Messi always shoots and scores goals, which is what's important. It's amazing what he does and he's an unpredictable player. He always does new things.”