Coutinho speaks out after shock Vasco departure

February 21, 2026 Oliver Obel

Philippe Coutinho says he is “very mentally exhausted” after ending his second stint at Vasco da Gama, cutting short what had been billed as a homecoming chapter in his career.

Vasco announced this week that the 33-year-old midfielder had agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent. The decision followed a tense moment during the club’s 2-1 win over Volta Redonda, when sections of the home crowd jeered the former Brazil international before he was substituted at half-time. He did not return to the bench for the second half.

The club did not provide further detail on the circumstances of the departure.

In a message posted to Instagram, Coutinho acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, saying he had debated whether to speak publicly but felt compelled to address supporters directly.

He wrote that returning to Vasco was “one of the most important choices” of his life and insisted his commitment had never wavered. He also pushed back against criticism of his reaction to being substituted, saying he would “never disrespect the fans” and that those who know him understand his character.

Coutinho added that, as he walked toward the dressing room at half-time, he realized his time at the club was over and chose not to return to the bench in order to prioritize his mental health.

“The truth is, I'm very mentally exhausted,” he wrote.

His departure leaves him without a club and facing uncertainty about the next step in a career that once made him one of the Premier League’s most coveted attacking midfielders.

After leaving Vasco for Inter Milan in 2010, Coutinho rose to prominence at Liverpool, where he scored 54 goals and provided 44 assists in 201 appearances. His performances earned a £105 million move to Barcelona in 2018 — at the time one of the largest transfer fees in football history. He went on to win league titles in Spain and, during a loan spell, in Germany with Bayern Munich.

Later spells at Aston Villa and with Qatar’s Al-Duhail did not recapture the consistency of his peak years, prompting a return to Brazil in an effort to reset his career.

Coutinho did not outline immediate plans, and his statement suggested he may take time away from the game. Brazilian and U.S. media have linked him with Major League Soccer, whose primary transfer window closes March 26.

For now, however, the midfielder struck a reflective tone.

“My relationship with Vasco is one of love,” he wrote. “And it will continue to be forever.”

Sources: Vasco da Gama statement; Philippe Coutinho Instagram