Philippe Coutinho’s Career Takes Huge Twist as He Leaves Vasco

Philippe Coutinho has issued an emotional statement on social media following his surprise exit from Vasco da Gama this week.

The 33-year-old only re-joined the Brazilian club on a permanent deal in the summer following a successful loan spell, but just months later the club captain has decided to leave the Estadio Sao Januario for the second time in his career.

The former Liverpool and Aston Villa star was substituted off at half-time of Vasco’s 2-1 win over Volta Redonda at the weekend, having been booed by his own supporters during the opening 45 minutes.

Coutinho is now available as a free agent.

Coutinho Releases Instagram Statement

Having decided not to watch the remainder of the weekend fixture from the bench, it was announced in the following days that Coutinho would be leaving Vasco da Gama by mutual agreement with immediate effect.

Posting on his personal Instagram account, Coutinho issued this long message to Vasco supporters:

“I thought long and hard before writing this. I really did. 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.

“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! There was never a lack of dedication, never a lack of will and commitment.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Coutinho Has Next Career Move Decision to Make

While the 33-year-old may now be a free agent and available to join any club in the world, his comments about prioritising his mental health may suggest that an immediate return to football is not on his agenda currently.

It will be interesting, should he decide to return, whether a move back to Europe could be on the cards given the success he had there during his career.

Coutinho made the move to European football in 2010 as he left Vasco da Gama to join Serie A giants Inter Milan, and his performances for them – and on loan at Espanyol – saw him clinch a big transfer to Liverpool, where his career really took off.

The Brazilian established himself as one of the best playmakers in the Premier League, scoring 54 goals and providing 44 assists in 201 games for the Reds before he joined Barcelona in a deal worth an initial £105m.

Coutinho won two league titles with Barca and then another during a loan spell with Bayern Munich, before moving back to the Premier League with Aston Villa.

It was a deal that didn’t work out though, with Coutinho eventually returning to Brazil, via a loan spell in Qatar with Al-Dhuail, following just over two years at Villa Park.

While Coutinho can now join any club, he has been heavily linked with a move to the MLS, whose transfer window is due to shut on March 26.

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