Philippe Coutinho is seen as Andres Iniesta’s eventual replacement at Barcelona but, during an interview the Daily Mail, it was put to the £145 million man whether he would one day like to take Lionel Messi’s shirt at the Camp Nou.

"No! No! No!,” was Coutinho’s adamant response.

"There is only one No 10 at Barcelona [Messi]. He is the best player in the world, the ultimate No 10."

One imagines Coutinho is giddy at the thought of playing with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Coutinho will have to wait for that day, however. It was confirmed at his unveiling that he faces three weeks on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

Barcelona finally got their man after a lengthy pursuit. The Blaugrana made three bids for Coutinho in the summer, all of which were rejected by Liverpool.

Yet their interest remained and he became an official Barcelona player just eight days into the January transfer window.

What Ronaldinho said about Coutinho in 2015

One person who saw it coming three years ago was Barcelona hero Ronaldinho, who said Coutinho would be a “perfect fit” at the Spanish giants in 2015.

Ronaldinho also predicted that Coutinho would be the man to replace Iniesta in the midfield, which he looks destined to do.

“He (Coutinho) has had a fantastic season - he has been one of the best midfield players in Europe - and when you think he has been playing in a team that has not been performing well that is an even bigger achievement,” Ronaldinho said, per the Daily Mail.

“I can't speak for him and I can't speak for Barcelona - but I know what Barcelona look for in a player and he has all those qualities. 

“After all those years at the club Xavi has left and Iniesta is now in his 30s - they will need to address that. That is why I think Barcelona and Coutinho would be the perfect fit.

“Playing with great players makes you better, I know that. Not only would he win trophies with Barcelona, but playing with Neymar, Messi, Suarez, Iniesta, is going to make him a better player.”

Ronaldinho saw it coming. Now it's Coutinho's time to deliver.