The 34-year-old, who completed a medical at the Rei Pele training centre on the weekend, signed a deal that runs until December.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"With recognised technical quality and vision, in addition to a winning career in Europe and with the Brazilian national team, the midfielder arrives with a contract valid until the end of 2026,\" Santos said in a social media post, reports Xinhua.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Coutinho had been without a club since parting ways with Vasco da Gama in February, citing mental fatigue.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He admitted his long-time friend Neymar had played a key role in bringing him to the club. The pair previously played together for Brazil at both youth and senior levels, including at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Neymar has definitely played an important role in my life. He's a friend I've had since childhood. He was the first person in football to send me a message when I left Vasco. He said it would be a pleasure to play together, but at that moment I couldn't \u2013 I wasn't doing well,\" Coutinho told in a news conference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It didn't make sense to me. He spoke to me again a few months later, and my answer was the same. Time passed. Two weeks ago, he sent another message, and I reconsidered,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Neymar has definitely played an important role in my life. He's a friend I've had since childhood. He was the first person in football to send me a message when I left Vasco. He said it would be a pleasure to play together, but at that moment I couldn't \u2013 I wasn't doing well,\" Coutinho told in a news conference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Coutinho is the latest in a series of high-profile signings for Santos, including former Barcelona and Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo and ex-Brazilian forward Everton Cebolinha.<\/p>\r\n\r\n