Philippe Coutinho was part-way through an interview when he and team-mates heard a series of loud gunshots - but the former Liverpool star simply laughed it off
14:21, 23 May 2025Updated 14:25, 23 May 2025
Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho laughed off what to many would be a frightening incident(Image: Globo)
Philippe Coutinho had to halt an interview due to the sound of loud gunfire near his club's training ground.
The former Liverpool midfielder is on loan at Vasco da Gama, a Brazilian Serie A team based in Rio de Janeiro. He began his career with this club and returned on loan from Aston Villa last summer.
On Thursday, Coutinho was giving an interview to Brazilian TV channel Globo when the incident broke out. Midway through the 32-year-old's chat with the reporter, the distinct sound of gunfire could be heard.
Initially, Coutinho paused when the shots rang out, then turned around grinning and cracked a joke. His team-mates Leo Jardim and Nuno Moreira, who were also being interviewed, joined in the laughter after the incident, reports the Mirror.
According to Globo, Vasco's Moacyr Barbosa training base, which opened in 2020, is situated near Cidade de Deus, an area notorious for its high rate of violent incidents in recent years.
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Club staff have reportedly described the sounds of gunshots and helicopters at the training centre as normal, attributing them to police operations in the region. Supporters were stunned by how three players reacted to nearby gunfire.
One fan commented: "And he kept going like nothing happened." Another remarked: "Proper Brazilian experience." A third voiced their concern: "Embarrassing. They have to move the training centre out of the middle of this favela. It's embarrassing. For the love of God."
One more chimed in: "This is normal day in Rio de Janeiro." Another said: "South America really is something else." Someone else noted: "Bro didn't even flinch."
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - MAY 13: Philippe Coutinho of Vasco Da Gama controls the ball during a Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2025 group G match between Lanus and Vasco da Gama at Estadio Ciudad de Lanús Néstor Díaz Pérez on May 13, 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images)
Philippe Coutinho playing for Vasco Da Gama(Image: Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images)
A final supporter summed it up: "This is Rio without makeup, not what the authorities try to sell to outsiders. Most Cariocas survive daily under these conditions of imminent risk when leaving their homes. Devastating and revolting."
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Coutinho has made 23 appearances across all competitions this campaign, scoring five goals and providing two assists.
Vasco have heavily invested in their training base. The club's upgrades include a new swimming pool and hot tub to help players recover. They're also planning to construct the president's office, a spacious meeting room, and an area solely for the coaching staff.
Vasco's last significant victory was in 2011 when they won the Copo do Brasil, and their Copa Libertadores triumph dates back to 1998. This season hasn't been as successful, with Fernando Diniz's team currently sitting 13th in the Brazilian top-flight.