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The former Liverpool playmaker has posted an emotional statement.
Former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho has released an emotional statement after deciding to leave his boyhood club.
Coutinho has opted to terminate his contract as Vasco de Gama because he is ‘mentally exhausted’. The ex-Brazil international returned to Vasco in July 2024 and has recorded 17 goals and seven assists in 81 games.
But Coutinho is not a key player at the Rio de Janeiro-based side. He was substituted at half-time in a 2-1 win over Volta Redonda. And after the game, Coutinho has revealed that he’s parted ways with Vasco. Posting on Instagram, he said: "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 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."
Coutinho joined Liverpool after Inter Milan in January 2013. He developed into a tremendous player for the Reds and was part of the 2013-14 team that finished runners-up in the Premier League.
In the 2017-18 campaign, Coutinho was part of a deadly front four along with Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. However, during the January transfer window, Coutinho opted to join Barcelona for a fee of £142 million - a Liverpool record sale.
However, Coutinho’s switch did not work out as he struggled at Barcelona. He had a loan at Bayern Munich and Aston Villa before moving to the latter on a permanent deal in 2022. Yet he failed to recapture his previous form in the Midlands.
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