Philippe Coutinho has issued an emotional statement after leaving Brazilian club Vasco da Gama for the second time in his career. The former Liverpool star returned to his boyhood club in July 2024, initially on loan from Aston Villa before making the move permanent a year later.
During his second stint, Coutinho scored 17 goals and provided seven assists in 81 appearances across all competitions. The 33-year-old confirmed his departure following a difficult finale to his time at the Rio de Janeiro-based club, which saw him booed by fans after being substituted at halftime in their 2-1 win over Volta Redonda last weekend.
Coutinho began his professional career at Vasco da Gama before moving to Inter Milan in 2010, where he made 47 appearances and won the Supercoppa Italiana. He joined Liverpool in early 2013, enjoying a highly successful spell with 54 goals and 44 assists in 201 appearances. He was both the Fans’ and Players’ Player of the Season in 2014/15 and 2015/16.
In August 2017, amid a rejected Barcelona bid, Coutinho submitted a transfer request and eventually joined the Spanish club five months later in a £142 million deal, then the third most expensive transfer in history.
He won two LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España, though he struggled to replicate his form from Anfield and later spent time on loan at Bayern Munich. Coutinho moved to Aston Villa in January 2022, and four years on, he is now a free agent.
“I thought long and hard before writing this. I really did,” he said on Instagram, translated from Portuguese. “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 realized that my time at the club was over, and I didn’t return to prioritize 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.”
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