Philippe Coutinho Returns to Vasco da Gama on Loan

Former Brazil international midfielder Philippe Coutinho has joined Vasco da Gama on a season-long loan from Aston Villa. Coutinho, who began his career at Vasco, expressed his joy at returning to his boyhood club. Vasco celebrated his return, highlighting his past achievements with major European clubs and Brazil.

Philippe Coutinho, the former Brazil international midfielder, has signed a season-long loan with his boyhood club Vasco da Gama from Aston Villa. The 32-year-old expressed his heartfelt joy at returning to the club where he began his career.

"I lived a long time abroad, so this feels like coming back home, the place where I was raised, the place I love, the club I love," Coutinho shared in a statement on Vasco's website. The Rio de Janeiro-based club announced the move on social media with the message, "The magician is back!"

Coutinho's illustrious career includes tenures at Inter Milan, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, as well as a Copa America win with Brazil. His return comes as Vasco, currently 13th in the Brazilian league, battles against relegation.

(With inputs from agencies.)