‘I need to be honest’ – Philippe Coutinho gives emotional statement after contract terminated

Philippe Coutinho has released an emotional statement after leaving Brazilian club Vasco da Gama for the second time in his career.

The ex-Liverpool star returned to his boyhood club in July 2024, initially on a loan deal from Aston Villa before joining permanently a year later.

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Coutinho scored 17 goals and assisted seven others in 81 appearances across all competitions throughout his second stint.

However, the 33-year-old has announced his decision to leave the Rio de Janeiro-based club having been booed by fans in his last game.

He was substituted at half time of their 2-1 win over Volta Redonda last weekend and, as per ESPN, did not watch on from the bench.

“I thought long and hard before writing this. I really did,” he said on Instagram, translated from Portuguese. “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.

“I chose to return to Vasco because I love this club. I love everything Vasco represents in my life. 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! There was never a lack of dedication, never a lack of will and commitment.

“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 realized that my time at the club was over, and I didn’t return to prioritize my mental health. That hurts a lot.

“The truth is, I’m very mentally exhausted. I’ve always been very reserved, so saying this here isn’t easy, but I need to be honest.

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

“With a heavy heart, I understand that now is the time to take a step back and end this chapter at Vasco.

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“I am grateful for everything I experienced here. I will carry Vasco with me forever. In my heart. In my history. In my life.

“From the bottom of my heart… Thank you for everything.”

Coutinho’s career to date

Following his breakthrough in the Vasco da Gama academy, Coutinho completed a move to Italian giants Inter Milan in 2010.

He featured 47 times and won the Supercoppa Italiana during two-and-a-half seasons before signing for Liverpool at the start of 2013.

Coutinho became a huge success at the Reds as he hit 54 goals and 44 assists in 201 matches at Anfield.

The midfielder was both the Fans’ and Players’ Player of the Season in each of the 2014/15 and 2015/16 campaigns.

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Amid a rejected bid from Barcelona, Coutinho submitted a transfer request in August 2017 and eventually left five months later.

He signed for Barca in a £142million deal that, at the time, was the third most expensive transfer ever.

Coutinho won two LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana, although his time at the Camp Nou is remembered as one of struggle for him with the player failing to replicate the same form he showed at Anfield.

He subsequently joined Bayern Munich on loan during his spell in Spain.

A move to Villa followed in January 2022 but four years on, he is now a free agent.