Coutinho details Vasco exit after boos in Volta Redonda tie and 2025 final strain | OneFootball

Presented by Santos on Monday, Philippe Coutinho explained his decision to leave Vasco, citing abuse during the Volta Redonda tie as the final straw.

According to Globo.com, he resolved to depart after the Carioca quarter-final on 14 February. He said the stadium turned on him, with insults and calls for his exit, which he found painful despite his attachment to Vasco.

He rejoined in July 2024 to a warm welcome, then mixed form with fan backing. In 2026, the first boos came on 11 February in a 1-0 home loss to Bahia at São Januário, the third round of the Brasileirão.

Three days later came the single-leg tie with Volta Redonda. After a poor first half, Vasco trailed 1-0 at the break. Insults were aimed first at coach Fernando Diniz, then more timidly at Coutinho.

In the dressing room, Coutinho asked to come off, cried and did not return to the bench, then requested contract termination the next day. Without the No 10, Vasco equalised through Spinelli and advanced on penalties to the Carioca semi-finals.

He later posted on Instagram about mental health and said his cycle at Vasco had ended. Strain was understood to have built from late 2025, with those close to him discussing it, and Fernando Diniz aware though not expecting a sudden decision.

He said the 2025 Copa do Brasil final defeat deepened the strain. He stressed he was at his limit and had left a net US$ 10 million salary in Qatar to return.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”