Sunday 9 April 2017 23:48, UK
Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho is pleased he fought off illness to score the equaliser during Saturday's vital 2-1 win at Stoke.
The 24-year-old came off the bench to score his 30th top flight goal and become the Premier League's highest scoring Brazilian.
Coutinho only joined up with the squad on the morning of the match, after losing three kilograms in three days because of illness.
"They asked me to stay at home because I was not feeling well but I wanted to be here," said Coutinho.
"I wanted to be involved with the team. The manager decided [to put me on the bench] because I was not 100 per cent."
Coutinho has also equalled his best Premier League season goals tally of nine, with seven matches still remaining.
"I am happy for that," he added. "I want to keep scoring and helping my team, and keep learning from my manager,"
The introduction of Coutinho and his compatriot Roberto Firmino (who also scored) turned the game at Stoke, as third-place Liverpool close in on Champions League qualification.
But Coutinho said: "The team played well, created more chances and then we scored. I think the team played well, not just individuals.
"It was a big win. There are a lot of points to fight for and every game for us is important."
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