Philippe Coutinho has officially confirmed his departure from his boyhood club Vasco de Gama, delivering an emotional statement on social media where he cited being 'mentally exhausted' as a key factor in his decision. The 33-year-old midfielder, who re-joined the Brazilian side on a permanent deal last year after a short loan spell during his time at Aston Villa, had appeared set to extend his stay at the club.
Booed by Fans and Emotional Fallout
However, Coutinho's recent experiences at Vasco de Gama have been marred by controversy, with the former Liverpool and Barcelona star being booed by his own supporters in recent weeks. This hostility peaked during a penalty shootout victory over second division side Volta Redonda in the Campeonato Carioca quarter-finals, where Coutinho was substituted at half-time and chose not to return to the bench to support his teammates in the second half.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Coutinho explained his decision to step away from the club. "I thought long and hard before writing this. I really did," he wrote. "But, out of respect, affection, and love that I have for you and for this club, I felt I needed to come here and speak from the heart."
A Love for Vasco and a Painful Realisation
Coutinho expressed deep affection for Vasco de Gama, emphasising that his return to the club was driven by love. "I chose to return to Vasco because I love this club. I love everything Vasco represents in my life. Wearing this shirt was one of the most important choices I've ever made. And, in every training session, in every game, I gave my best. Always!"
He addressed the criticism from fans, stating, "Being judged by countless people for something that isn't part of my character is extremely difficult. I would never disrespect the fans, my teammates, or Vasco. I've never done that anywhere I've been. Anyone who knows me knows that."
The midfielder revealed a pivotal moment that led to his departure: "At that moment, on my way to the locker room, I felt and realised that my time at the club was over, and I didn't return to prioritise my mental health. That hurts a lot."
Performance and Contract Termination
Coutinho started his second spell at Vasco de Gama strongly, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions during his initial loan spell, helping the team finish 13th in the Brasileirao Serie A. This season, he has maintained a solid performance with seven goals in 28 matches, making his contract termination a significant blow to the club.
In his statement, Coutinho elaborated on his mental state: "The truth is, I'm very mentally exhausted. I've always been very reserved, so saying this here isn't easy, but I need to be honest. My relationship with Vasco is one of love. And it will continue to be forever. With a heavy heart, I understand that now is the time to take a step back and end this chapter at Vasco."
Gratitude and Legacy
He concluded with words of gratitude: "I am grateful for everything I experienced here. I will carry Vasco with me forever. In my heart. In my history. In my life. From the bottom of my heart… Thank you for everything."
Vasco de Gama have yet to issue an official statement regarding Coutinho's departure. The midfielder began his career at the club's youth academy before being scouted by Serie A giants Inter Milan in 2008, returning on loan briefly as a teenager. His impressive early performances at the San Siro led to a move to Liverpool in 2013, where he spent five years and made 152 appearances, scoring 41 goals.
Coutinho's subsequent transfer to Barcelona remains one of the most expensive in football history, and his sale fee played a crucial role in Liverpool's acquisitions of key players like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker under manager Jurgen Klopp. His departure from Vasco de Gama marks the end of an emotional chapter in his storied career.
