Former Liverpool FC midfielder Philippe Coutinho has confirmed he is leaving his boyhood club Vasco da Gama, citing mental exhaustion and the feeling that his time at the club has come to an end.
The 33-year-old made the announcement in an emotional Instagram post after being substituted at half-time and booed by sections of supporters during Vasco’s penalty shootout victory over Volta Redonda last week. Coutinho did not return to the bench for the second half.
In his statement, the Brazilian midfielder said he chose to step away to protect 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 at Vasco.
“I’m grateful for everything I’ve lived here. I’ll take Vasco with me forever. In the chest. In history. In life.”
Coutinho, who has earned 68 caps for Brazil, rejoined Vasco in 2024 for a second spell and went on to make 81 appearances, scoring 17 goals.
He began his professional career at Vasco before moving to Inter Milan, and later joined Liverpool in 2013. During his time at Anfield, he scored 54 goals in 201 games and established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.
In 2018, Coutinho completed a high-profile £142 million transfer to FC Barcelona, before later having spells with Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, and Al-Duhail SC.
His next destination has not yet been announced.