Philippe Coutinho says he's 'mentally exhausted' and leaves Vasco da Gama

Philippe Coutinho has departed boyhood club Vasco da Gama in Brazil, six months after making a permanent move following an initial loan. The 33-year-old returned to his homeland after leaving Aston Villa but asked for his contract to be terminated after being booed by his own fans during a match against Volta Redonda last week.

In an emotional Instagram statement he said the club will always be in his heart but that his "cycle at the club has ended" and that he is "mentally exhausted." He insisted he gave his best in every training session and game, and wrote that on his way to the locker room he realised his time at the club was over and chose not to return in order to prioritise his mental health.

Coutinho came through Vasco's youth ranks before moving to Inter Milan at 18 in 2010, having initially signed for £3.5million two years earlier. His career has included spells with Inter, Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and he once moved for £145m to Barcelona.

Brazil

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