Philippe Coutinho says he is leaving boyhood club Vasco da Gama because he is “tired mentally” and believes his “cycle at the club has ended.”
The 33-year-old midfielder made the announcement in a lengthy and emotional statement on Instagram following a difficult week in which he was substituted at half-time and booed by sections of supporters during Vasco’s penalty shootout victory over Volta Redonda FC.
As reported by BBC Sport in Thursday, Coutinho did not return to the bench for the second half of that match, later explaining that he chose to prioritise his mental health.
“I would never disrespect the fans, my team-mates and Vasco. I’ve never done that anywhere I’ve been. Those who know me know that.
“At that moment, on the way to the locker room, I felt and realised that my cycle at the club had ended, and I didn’t come back to prioritise my mental health.
“It hurts a lot. The truth is that I’m very tired mentally. With a tight heart, I understand that now is the time to take a step back and end this cycle in Vasco,” he wrote
Vasco have yet to officially confirm his departure.
Coutinho began his professional career at Vasco before moving to Inter Milan as a teenager. He rose to prominence after joining Liverpool FC in 2013, where he scored 54 goals in 201 appearances and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most creative midfielders.
In 2018, he completed a £142m move to FC Barcelona. He later had spells with FC Bayern Munich, Aston Villa FC and Al-Duhail SC before returning to Vasco in 2024 for a second stint.
Since rejoining, Coutinho has made 81 appearances and scored 17 goals for the Brazilian side.
On the international stage, he has earned 68 caps for Brazil, scoring 21 goals.
“I chose to go back to Vasco because I love this club. I love everything that Vasco represents in my life.
“I’m grateful for everything I’ve lived here. I’ll take Vasco with me forever. In the chest. In history. In life,” he added.
