Coutinho’s mental breakdown – former Liverpool and Barca star quits childhood club

Philippe Coutinho has officially announced that he is leaving his boyhood club Vasco da Gama, revealing in an emotional social media post that he is struggling mentally and needs to step away.

The 33-year-old returned to Vasco on a permanent basis last year after a brief loan spell from Aston Villa, and it initially looked like he would remain a key part of the club’s plans.

But tensions have risen in recent weeks, with sections of the fanbase booing him during matches. The situation came to a head in Vasco’s penalty shootout win over Volta Redonda in the Campeonato Carioca quarter-finals, when Coutinho was substituted at half-time and chose not to sit on the bench for the remainder of the match.

Now, the former Liverpool and Barcelona star has confirmed he will no longer wear the Vasco shirt, admitting he feels it is time to take a step back from the club.

"I thought long and hard before writing this. I really did," he posted 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. 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 realised that my time at the club was over, and I didn't return to prioritise my mental health. That hurts a lot."

Coutinho had started his second stint at Vasco on a positive note, registering five goals and three assists in 26 games during his initial loan spell as the club finished 13th in the Brazilian top flight.

This season, he added seven goals in 28 appearances, making his sudden contract termination a major blow for the club. He also admitted the emotional toll the situation has taken on him: "The truth is, I'm very mentally exhausted," he continued. "I've always been very reserved, so saying this here isn't easy, but I need to be honest."

Vasco have not yet released an official statement regarding his exit.

Coutinho came through Vasco’s academy before attracting the attention of Inter Milan, who signed him in 2008. He later returned to his boyhood club on loan as a teenager before establishing himself in Europe.

After a promising spell in Italy, he joined Liverpool in 2013 and spent five years at Anfield before completing a blockbuster move to Barcelona in one of football’s most expensive transfers.

During his time with the Reds, Coutinho played 152 games and scored 41 goals, while his sale helped fund key signings under Jurgen Klopp, including Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker.