Aston Villa have completed the signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Villa announced last Friday that they had reached an agreement to bring the playmaker to Villa Park.

The 29-year-old subsequently arrived in Birmingham on Tuesday, with the club now confirming the deal has been completed.

Coutinho said: "It’s a pleasure to be here — it’s a great club. 

"I spoke a lot with the manage and he told me about the club and his ambitions. I’m very happy to be here and I'm looking to enjoy my football.

"I’m looking forward to meeting the fans, to being on the pitch. I know and I feel that they’re happy I’m here.

"I want to repay that on the pitch and enjoy my football. I’m looking forward to being on the pitch. 

"I always want to be at my best, doing my work. That’s what I work hard for every day. I hope it will be a great rest of the season here."

Coutinho, who will wear the No23 shirt, spent five years with Liverpool between 2013 and 2018.

The Brazil international is reunited with former Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard, who replaced Dean Smith as manager at Villa Park last November.

He added: "I’ve known Stevie for a long time. I played with him and I learned a lot from him. 

"He’s someone who I have big admiration for. I hope to do my best here. For sure, I will work hard and I hope together we can do good work."

Having endured an injury-hit spell with Barca, Coutinho could make his debut in this weekend's Premier League showdown with Manchester United.