The attacking midfielder was forced to play a bit-part role at San Siro and says that he “didn’t think twice” about the chance to move to Anfield in January

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho says that he does not regret his move to the Premier League after a troubled stint at Inter.

The 21-year-old spent three seasons at San Siro, with his arrival in Milan coinciding with the club’s fall from grace after five consecutive Serie A titles and a Champions League crown.

Coutinho concedes that it did not work out for him at Inter but argues that the depth of the Nerazzurri’s strength in depth made it tough for him to get regular game time.

“Jose Mourinho was the coach when I was preparing to join them but he left before I moved to Italy,” the Brazilian told The Daily Telegraph.

“It was a difficult period, strangely, because they had won the national championship five times and just won the Champions League, but the club was preparing for change.

“Benitez had just become the coach and he was prepared to give me opportunities straight away as a younger player but there were good players there who won a lot at the club – really good players – and things were not settled and it turned out not so good.

“I had a good relationship with Rafa; he was always very considerate towards me and gave me a lot of confidence. He cared a lot about all the younger players at Inter.”

Coutinho “didn’t think twice” about a switch to Anfield when the opportunity presented itself in January and he has since flourished with the Reds.

“Sometimes you can be a good player at a good club and for some reason it just does not work out,” he remarked.

“There is no explanation for it. Then you move to another club and it fits perfectly straight away and you feel comfortable.

“I had some chances at Inter but, after a few years – certainly by the time Liverpool were interested – I was not getting many chances.

“As a footballer, all you ever want is the chance to play and show people how well you can play. I knew at Liverpool I would get that opportunity so I didn’t think twice.

“You look at a club and you see a top European team, with top players and top ambitions to win every major trophy, even if it will take time. I didn’t even have to think about the decision.”