Coutinho's Brazilian Homecoming Turns Sour: Ex-Liverpool Wizard Wants Out of Vasco After Fan Fury
Philippe Coutinho has requested to terminate his contract with Vasco da Gama amid fan backlash and media criticism, despite contributing 17 goals since his 2024 return. The former Liverpool and Barcelona star, who made his permanent move to his boyhood club in 2025, is seeking a fresh start elsewhere, potentially in Saudi Arabia or MLS. Vasco officials are stunned and have tried to change his mind, but the 34-year-old midfielder insists his decision is final.
Alright, lads, grab a pint because Philippe Coutinho's latest chapter reads like a soap opera gone wrong. The bloke who once dazzled Anfield with his silky skills has reportedly told Vasco da Gama, his hometown club, to shove his contract where the sun don't shine. Yeah, you heard that right – the former Liverpool and Barcelona star is begging for the boot after a rough ride back in Brazil.
Picture this: Coutinho, the kid from Vasco's youth ranks, finally seals a permanent return in 2025 after a nomadic stint that'd make a backpacker jealous. He'd notched 17 goals in 80 games, not too shabby for a fella pushing 34. But here's the kicker – the fans who cheered his homecoming have turned proper nasty. Booed in his last match, slated by the local press, and now he's had enough. According to Brazilian outlet Globo, he's gone straight to club president Pedrinho and said his mind's made up: 'I'm out, irreversible-like.' Vasco's brass tried sweet-talking him with renewal chats, but the barrage of stick has left him proper fed up.
Let's rewind for the uninitiated. Back in 2008, Inter Milan nabbed young Phil from Vasco, but he couldn't crack it in Serie A. Enter Liverpool in 2013 – boom! Magic. He linked up with Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, and Raheem Sterling to nearly nab the Premier League in 2013-14. PFA Team of the Year followed, and under Jurgen Klopp, he was the engine room with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mo Salah, dragging the Reds back to the Champions League.
Then, disaster. Barcelona came calling in 2018 with a whopping £142 million fee – biggest from England to Spain ever. Started bright, bagged two La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey, but soon he was yesterday's man. Loan to Bayern Munich? Treble winner, sure, but not undroppable for Hansi Flick. Reunited with Stevie G at Aston Villa in 2022? Flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency ruled. Off to Qatar's Al-Duhail on loan, then back to Vasco on temp terms in 2024, made permanent a year later. It's like his career's been on a spin cycle – rinse, repeat, rinse again.
Now, what's next for our wandering wizard? Saudi Pro League reckons it's a shout; those Public Investment Fund lads love snapping up big names to jazz up their bash. MLS in the States could tempt him for a sunset lap, or maybe another Brazilian side less keen on pelting him with abuse. Vasco are shocked, naturally – they saw him as a marquee signing to spark their Serie A push. But when your own supporters treat you like a pantomime villain, it's time to pack the bags.
Fair play to Coutinho, though – he's still got that left peg that could curl one into the top bin from 25 yards. Remember those free-kicks at Anfield? Goosebumps. But at this stage, does he crave minutes, money, or just a bit of love? Whatever it is, this saga's got more twists than a dodgy kebab. Keep your eyes peeled, football fam – Phil's next move could be a belter or another detour. Cheers to hoping he finds a spot where the fans chant his name, not chuck bottles.
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