Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho has officially declared his intention to depart from his boyhood club, Vasco da Gama, admitting that a profound sense of “mental fatigue” has led him to end his current tenure. The 33-year-old midfielder shared the news through a deeply personal Instagram post following a turbulent week that saw him targeted by his own supporters. During Vasco’s recent penalty shootout triumph over Volta Redonda FC, fans booed the former Liverpool star as he left the pitch following a half-time substitution.
The atmosphere at the São Januário Stadium grew increasingly hostile during that match, prompting Coutinho to remain in the dressing room for the second half rather than returning to the bench. He later clarified that this decision served as a necessary measure to protect his psychological well-being. Despite the club’s desire to extend his stay until the end of the year, the veteran midfielder informed head coach Fernando Diniz that his decision to terminate his contract is irreversible.
“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.
Coutinho’s homecoming has faced significant challenges since he made his return permanent last summer, with the player struggling to replicate the form that once made him a global icon at Anfield. While he remains a beloved figure in the club’s history, the intense pressure of the Brazilian top flight appears to have taken a heavy toll on the player. Reports from Brazil suggest that the club’s board was blindsided by the timing of his announcement, as they had already initiated discussions regarding a contract extension beyond June.
Although Vasco da Gama has not yet released a formal statement confirming the contract termination, sources close to the club indicate that the legal department is currently finalizing the paperwork for a mutual separation. Coutinho leaves the “Cruz-Maltina” side with 81 appearances and 17 goals across his most recent stint. As he enters free agency, speculation has already begun regarding a potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS) or the Saudi Pro League, though the player maintains that his immediate priority remains personal recovery rather than his next professional destination.
