Philippe Coutinho: The former Liverpool midfielder says he is ‘taking a step back’ and leaving Vasco da Gama

Philippe Coutinho said he will leave his childhood club Vasco da Gama because he is “mentally tired” and “his period at the club is over.”

The former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder was substituted at half-time after being booed by fans during Vasco’s penalty shootout win over Volta Redonda last week.

Coutinho, who played 68 international matches for Brazil, did not return to the bench in the second half to watch the remainder of the match.

In a long and emotional statement on Instagram, the 33-year-old said he was leaving Vasco because “now is the time to step back.”

He said: “I will never disrespect the fans, my teammates and Vasco. I have never done that anywhere I have been. Those who know me know that.”

“At that moment, on my way to the dressing room, I felt and realized that my role at the club was over, and I was no longer prioritizing my mental health.

“It hurts me a lot. The truth is that I am very tired mentally. With a tense heart, I understand that this is the right time to take a step back and end this cycle in Vasco.

“I am grateful for everything I have experienced here. I will take Vasco with me forever. In my chest. In history. In life.”

Vasco did not confirm Coutinho’s departure, but BBC Sport contacted him for comment.

Coutinho has played 81 matches and scored 17 goals for Vasco since returning for a second spell in 2024.

He started his career at Vasco before joining Inter Milan and later moving to Liverpool in 2013.

He scored 54 goals in 201 matches for the Reds before joining Barcelona for £142m in 2018.

He later had spells at Bayern Munich, Aston Villa and Al Duhail before returning to Vasco.

“I chose to return to Vasco because I love this club. I love everything Vasco represents in my life,” Coutinho added.

“Wearing this shirt was one of the most important choices I ever made. In every training session, in every match, I gave my best. Always!”