Coutinho discussed his decision to join Santos at his unveiling press conference. He stated that Neymar played a very important role in this, contacting him multiple times and ultimately convincing him to reconsider and accept the challenge.

Coutinho said: “Of course, Neymar played a very important role in me coming here. He is a player who needs no introduction, and a friend I’ve known since childhood; we’ve known each other for many years.

I think he was the first person in football to message me after I left Vasco. The day after I left, he messaged me. At the time, I told him: ‘Neymar, it would certainly be great to play with you, but it’s not possible for me right now. I’m not in good shape, I really can’t.’

And at that time, it really didn’t make sense to me. Then, a few months later, he approached me again, and my answer was still the same: ‘It would certainly be great to play with you, but for me, it’s still not possible right now.’

Then some more time passed. In the last two weeks, he messaged me again. This time, I paused and thought about it, and reconsidered. I really wanted to return to the field and play, so I thought: why not? What’s the problem?

I’m going to a big club, it’s just in another city, so what’s the problem? If I don’t even give myself the chance to go back to work and play again, that wouldn’t be fair to myself. So, that’s when I made the decision. Of course, I also want to thank President Marcelo Teixeira, Alexandre Mattos, and Neymar for inviting me. I am very happy to be here and excited to accept this challenge.”

Indications have emerged to the effect that Liverpool is looking to secure a replacement for Dutchman Jeremie Frimpong in the near future, due to the performance the player has delivered with the English team so far.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool attempted to add a player to their squad to bolster the right-back position before the start of the current 2026–27 season.

According to the source, Liverpool harbored reservations about Jeremie Frimpong, prompting the club to seek reinforcements at the back. Marco Palestra emerged as a potential target, yet he wound up joining Chelsea instead.

Marco Palestra was among the options assessed before joining Chelsea, after Frimpong struggled across his two intended roles.

The Reds also explored a loan move for Malo Gusto, but Chelsea insisted on a permanent sale rather than a temporary arrangement.

So far this season, the 25-year-old Frimpong has featured in three games across all competitions, yet he has failed to contribute either a goal or an assist.

Former West Ham, QPR and Czech Republic goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died at the age of 64.

Miklosko made almost 400 appearances for the Hammers from 1990 to 1998 and was much loved by supporters, who regularly sang his name long after he left the club.

He later returned as a goalkeeping coach.

Miklosko withdrew from cancer treatment in December 2024, three years after his diagnosis.

Days later he returned to West Ham’s London Stadium for a Premier League match against Liverpool to a hero’s reception.

A West Ham statement read: “It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United announces the passing of legendary former goalkeeper and coach, Ludek Miklosko.

“Rest in peace Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man.”

West Ham said a period of appreciation will be shown to Miklosko before kick-off in their Carabao Cup third-round match at Fulham on Tuesday.

They will also dedicate their next home Championship match, against QPR on 9 October, to Miklosko, who made 57 league appearances for QPR between 1998 and 2001 before retiring.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of my dad Ludek, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer,” said Martin Miklosko.

“Dad simply loved West Ham United, and especially hearing his name sung loud and proud at every game.

“The club, and its fans, were and always will be a part of our family, so thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”

Miklosko was often referred to as ‘Ludo’ by fans

Miklosko won promotion to the old First Division with West Ham in 1990-91, his first full season with the club.

West Ham also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup that season, with Miklosko winning the club’s Hammer of the Year award.

He is best known for his performance on the final day of the 1994-95 season, when West Ham drew 1-1 with Manchester United when United required a win to finish top of the Premier League. The result meant Blackburn Rovers won the title.

When West Ham won the Conference League in 2023 in Prague, Miklosko was in attendance and was serenaded by fans while doing a lap of the pitch before kick-off.

Miklosko won 42 caps for the Czech Republic and former Czechoslovakia combined.

He ended his career as the head of the sports department at former club Banik Ostrava, where he spent eight years as a player before joining West Ham.