Philippe Coutinho has informed Vasco da Gama of his intention to terminate the contract that binds him to the Rio de Janeiro club. The decision, described as 'irreversible' by the Brazilian press, took the club's management by surprise, especially as negotiations for a contract renewal were already underway. The request was formalized by the player's representatives, aged 33, directly to the president of the Brazilian club, Pedrinho. Coutinho also contacted coach Fernando Diniz to inform him of his decision. Despite the coach's attempts to dissuade him, the midfielder's resolve remained firm. The termination, which was the subject of a meeting this Wednesday, has not yet been formally signed, but it is expected that both the club and the player will issue an official statement soon regarding the outcome of the situation. It is worth noting that Vasco da Gama had already begun discussions with the football department to extend the contract of the number 10, which expires in June this year. The goal was to extend the contract at least until the end of 2026. Internal sources at the club suggest that Coutinho's decision is not related to the atmosphere in the locker room, but rather to the growing criticism he has received. Last week, during the match against Volta Redonda, the player was booed for the first time at São Januário, receiving public support from Diniz at that time. People close to the player and the club assure that Coutinho maintains a good relationship with both the coaching staff led by Fernando Diniz and the rest of the squad. The international player for the Brazilian national team, with 68 caps, returned home in 2024, 14 years after leaving the Cariocas in 2010 to join Inter. Throughout his career, he has also represented Espanyol, Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern, Aston Villa, and Al Duhail.
Philippe Coutinho Rio de Janeiro remains central to this story.
Philippe Coutinho Rio de Janeiro remains central to this story.
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