‘I Am Very Tired Mentally’ – Coutinho Leaves Boyhood Club

Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho has announced his departure from boyhood club Vasco da Gama, saying he is mentally exhausted and believes his time at the club has come to an end.

The 33-year-old made the announcement in an emotional statement shared 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.

Reports indicated that the midfielder did not return to the bench for the second half of the 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,” he wrote.

“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.”

Coutinho began his professional career at Vasco before securing a move to Inter Milan as a teenager.

He later rose to global prominence at Liverpool FC after joining in 2013, scoring 54 goals in 201 appearances and establishing himself as one of the English Premier League’s most creative midfielders.

In 2018, he completed a £142m transfer to FC Barcelona, before going on to feature for FC Bayern Munich, Aston Villa FC and Al-Duhail SC.

He returned to Vasco in 2024 for a second spell, making 81 appearances and scoring 17 goals for the Brazilian side.

On the international stage, Coutinho has earned 68 caps for Brazil national team, scoring 21 goals for his country.

Despite his decision to leave, the midfielder reaffirmed his deep emotional connection with 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.