Philippe Coutinho has confirmed he is bringing his second spell at Vasco da Gama to an end, saying he is mentally exhausted and feels his time at the club has run its course.
The 33-year-old midfielder delivered the news in an emotional Instagram post following a turbulent week that saw him substituted at half-time and jeered by some supporters during Vasco’s penalty shootout victory over Volta Redonda FC.
Coutinho did not return to the bench after the interval in that encounter, later explaining that he made the decision to protect his mental wellbeing.
“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 da Gama have yet to issue an official statement regarding his departure.
Coutinho began his professional journey with the Rio de Janeiro club before securing a move to Inter Milan as a teenager. He later rose to prominence at Liverpool FC, scoring 54 goals in 201 appearances and earning recognition as one of the Premier League’s most inventive midfielders.
In 2018, he completed a high-profile £142 million transfer to FC Barcelona. Subsequent spells followed at FC Bayern Munich, Aston Villa FC and Al-Duhail SC before he returned to Vasco in 2024.
Since rejoining the Brazilian outfit, Coutinho has featured in 81 matches and netted 17 goals.
At international level, he has represented Brazil 68 times, scoring 21 goals.
Reflecting on his decision to return to Vasco, Coutinho expressed deep affection for the club.
“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.
