Philippe Coutinho finds himself searching for yet another club after the former Liverpool star confirmed his decision to terminate his contract at Vasco da Gama
James Findlater Content Editor
08:34, 19 Feb 2026
Philippe Coutinho in action for Vasco da Gama
Philippe Coutinho looks set to leave Vasco da Gama after requesting for his contract to be terminated(Image: Getty Images)
Philippe Coutinho has admitted to feeling “mentally exhausted” as the former Liverpool star is set to leave his boyhood club.
The 33-year-old has confirmed reports from South America claiming that he has requested for his contract to be terminated at Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama, having informed his head coach, Fernando Diniz, that he wants to leave the club, having only made his move back home permanent last summer.
Coutinho was recently booed by his own fans, with his return to Rio de Janeiro having not gone according to plan, and he has now confirmed his decision to leave the club.
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"I thought long and hard before writing this. I really did,” Coutinho wrote on Instagram. “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.
Philippe Coutinho of Vasco da Gama.
Philippe Coutinho has struggled since leaving Liverpool in 2018(Image: Wagner Meier/Getty Images)
"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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Coutinho’s career has not worked out since leaving Liverpool for Barcelona back in 2018. Since then, he has played for five teams in five different countries.
After his move to the Camp Nou didn’t work out, he spent time on loan at Bayern Munich - where he won the Champions League in 2020 - and Aston Villa, making the latter move permanent in 2022.
With former teammate Steven Gerrard being dismissed as manager though, Coutinho soon found himself out of favor at Villa Park, and he made the move on loan to Qatari side Al-Duhail in 2023 before a temporary move to Vasco da Gama the following year.
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He would complete a permanent move back to his boyhood club during last summer’s transfer window, but he already finds himself searching for a new side now.