Philippe Coutinho has requested an early end to his contract with Vasco da Gama, his boyhood club, amid growing fan frustration and internal tensions.
Club Announces Split
Brazilian outlet Globo revealed that Vasco da Gama intends to sever ties with the star midfielder. The decision follows Coutinho’s return to the club he supported as a child, seeking a romantic reconnection with his roots.
Performance and Fan Backlash
Since rejoining Vasco on loan and later securing a full transfer, Coutinho has struggled for consistency. In 26 matches against Al Duhail, he netted five goals and provided three assists during a 2-1 victory. However, fans criticize his limited appearances, mainly in high-stakes clashes like the derby against rivals Flamengo. Supporters boo him during games, voicing disappointment over his selective involvement and alleged support for a specific presidential candidate, Pedrinho, and certain fan factions.
Vasco coach Fernando Jimenez acknowledges Coutinho’s talent, stating, “Coutinho is a natural talent and a gift to our team.” Yet he adds, “Fans have the right to express their views on players.”
Coutinho’s Lengthy SNS Explanation
In his longest social media post to date, Coutinho expressed deep hurt. “I crafted this message after deep reflection. This club holds my passion and love like no other—twice over. It sits at the heart of my life’s most pivotal choices, where I poured sincerity and made the best decisions every step,” he wrote.
He continued, “Returning to Vasco stemmed from pure love. Yet, during the Flamengo match, a locker room call pulled me despite my readiness, narrowing my place here. I felt that discrimination firsthand without wavering from my true self, though anxiety lingered.”
“With indifference now, I resolve to close this Vasco chapter and step back.”
Career Trajectory and Recent Struggles
Coutinho burst onto the scene with Vasco before signing with Inter Milan in 2008. Loans to Espanyol followed, paving his path to stardom in Europe by 2010. A blockbuster £145 million move from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018 marked his peak valuation, equivalent to roughly 238 billion won.
Subsequent loans to Bayern Munich and a full transfer to Aston Villa in 2022 yielded mixed results. Back at Vasco, initial promise faded into national team exclusion and fan discontent, culminating in his exit demand.
