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

Phillipe Coutinho says he is leaving boyhood club Vasco da Gama because he is “tired mentally” and his “cycle at the club has ended”.

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

Coutinho, who has 68 caps for Brazil, did not return to the bench in the second half to watch the remainder of the game.

In a lengthy, emotional statement on Instagram, the 33-year-old says he is leaving Vasco because “now is the time to take step back”.

“I would never disrespect the fans, my team-mates and Vasco. I’ve never done that anywhere I’ve been. Those who know me know that,” he said.

“At that moment, on the way to the locker room, I felt and realised that my cycle at the club had ended, and I didn’t come back to prioritise my mental health.

“It hurts a lot. The truth is that I’m very tired mentally. With a tight heart, I understand that now is the time to take a step back and end this cycle in Vasco.

“I’m grateful for everything I’ve lived here. I’ll take Vasco with me forever. In the chest. In history. In life.”

Vasco have not confirmed Coutinho’s departure but BBC Sport have reached out for comment.

Coutinho has played 81 times and scored 17 goals for Vasco since rejoining for a second stint 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 games for the Reds before joining Barcelona for £142m in 2018.

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

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

“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!”