Coutinho seeks to terminate Vasco contract after half-time tears | OneFootball

Philippe Coutinho has asked to terminate his Vasco contract, a move that surprised the club but stemmed from ongoing emotional strain. In a social media post, the midfielder cited mental health and said he felt his cycle had ended at half-time against Volta Redonda on Saturday at São Januário.

According to Globo.com, Coutinho was booed and insulted before the interval, cried in the dressing room and, after being substituted, did not return to the bench for the second half. The decision to rescind, however, was not taken solely because of that match.

The emotional burden had built since the end of last season, with those close to him discussing it regularly. Coach Fernando Diniz was aware of the situation, though he did not expect such a sudden call.

It is understood the strain deepened after last year’s Copa do Brasil final. Coutinho was badly shaken by finishing runners-up and had hoped to crown his return to Vasco with a trophy.

Inside the club, the feeling was that he was pushing himself to the point that playing brought little joy, and the Volta Redonda game was not the first time he appeared distressed on the pitch. He chose to step away to focus on his wellbeing rather than plot his next career move.

Coutinho held a final conversation with Diniz on Tuesday. The coach was affected by the news yet accepted that the midfielder’s decision was irreversible, relating to the pressures he once felt as a player.

Source: Globo.com