Barcelona striker Philippe Coutinho is looking forward to the Catalan derby against Espanyol on Sunday in the 22nd round of the Spanish league.
"It's a tough but extraordinary game, and I have wonderful memories with it, because it was an important period in my career. When I was in Espanyol for six months, it was a great experience ," Coutinho said in an interview with the official website of the Liga .
Coutinho played for Espanyol on loan for six months. He moved from Inter Milan in the winter of 2012 and finished with the Catalan team for the season. He played in a derby match that he lost to Barça in the quarterfinals of Pep Guardiola's last appearance at Camp Nou as coach of Barcelona.
"It's a tough and important game for everyone, players, coaches and the city fans," he continued.
"Espanyol is a great team, they have a good lineup of players like the other teams in the Spanish league. We have to work hard and be 100% focused, and strive to win. I've just joined Barcelona and any player dreams of taking part."
Coutinho joined Barca last month from Liverpool for 160 million euros.