Coutinho wants to leave Vasco, São Paulo fans excited | OneFootball

As soon as the news broke that Philippe Coutinho had requested to terminate his contract with Vasco, São Paulo fans took to the internet to voice their support for signing the experienced attacking midfielder, who until then was the number 10 and idol of the Rio de Janeiro team.

But there’s a huge difference between wanting and being able to.

AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR spoke with sources from São Paulo’s management, who made the situation clear: as much as Coutinho is a name of interest and is seen as a player with immense potential and quality, there’s simply no money to even start talks.

“Who wouldn’t be interested in Coutinho? If a market opportunity arose, we could even get into negotiations. But we know he is a well-paid athlete, and rightly so for the quality he shows,” a member of Harry Massis Júnior’s management told the report.

Some of the current president’s more ‘emotional’ supporters, let’s put it that way, spoke to Massis about the impact of signing a name like Coutinho. But times are different at São Paulo. The order now is to cut costs. Maybe if it were other presidents…

Besides the financial issue, there’s another obstacle: a technical one. São Paulo, which started the year without an attacking midfielder, has now signed Cauly from Bahia to be their playmaker. And Coutinho would not arrive with the status of an undisputed starter at Morumbi.

The former Vasco number 10 sees the United States as his current football destination. But there are Brazilian teams keeping an eye on him, such as rivals Santos. On his social media, Coutinho spoke about his decision to leave São Januário.

“I thought a lot before writing here. I really did. But out of respect, affection, and love 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 jersey was one of the most important choices I’ve ever made. And in every training session, every game, I gave my best. Always! I never lacked effort, never lacked will and commitment. Being judged by countless people for something that is not part of my character is extremely hard,” he said.

“I would never disrespect the fans, my teammates, or Vasco. I’ve never done that anywhere I’ve been. Those who know me know this. At that moment, when I went to the locker room, I felt and realized that my cycle at the club was over, and I didn’t return to prioritize my mental health. That hurts a lot. The truth is I am very mentally tired. I’ve always been very reserved, so saying this here is not easy, but I need to be honest. My relationship with Vasco is one of love. And it will always be that way. With a heavy heart, I understand that now is the time to take a step back and close this chapter at Vasco. I am grateful for everything I experienced here. I will carry Vasco with me forever. In my heart. In my story. In my life. From the heart… Thank you for everything,” he concluded.

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