Coutinho asks to leave Vasco before Fluminense clash: "Mentally exhausted"

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·19 February 2026

Coutinho asks to leave Vasco before Fluminense clash: "Mentally exhausted"

Fluminense's opponent next Sunday, Vasco was caught by surprise this week with the request for departure from midfielder Philippe Coutinho. The player explained the decision on social media and claimed to be very mentally exhausted.

In his last match wearing Vasco's jersey, on Carnival Saturday, the number 10 was booed at São Januário and was substituted at halftime in the game against Volta Redonda. Distressed, the midfielder decided not to stay on the bench and didn't even return from the locker room.

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I would never disrespect the fans, my teammates, and Vasco. I've never done that anywhere I've been. Those who know me are aware of this. At that moment, on the way to the locker room, I felt and realized that my cycle at the club had ended, and I didn't return to prioritize my mental health. It hurts a lot. The truth is that I am very mentally exhausted,” explained Coutinho.

In 2026, the midfielder scored three goals and provided one assist in seven matches played. In total, in this second stint at Vasco, Coutinho had 24 goal involvements (17 goals and 7 assists) in 81 games.

Vasco and Fluminense will face each other over the next two weekends, in home-and-away matches, for the semifinals of the Campeonato Carioca. The first match, with Vasco as the host, will be played at Nilton Santos this Sunday at 6 p.m.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.