Gunfire echoes at Vasco’s training ground during Coutinho interview
The incident occurred at the Moacyr Barbosa Training Centre in Rio de Janeiro’s Cidade de Deus neighbourhood, a region known for sporadic violence and frequent police operations.
Former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho was momentarily interrupted by the sound of gunshots during an interview at Vasco da Gama's training facility on 22 May, but the Brazilian appeared unfazed as the situation unfolded.
The incident occurred at the Moacyr Barbosa Training Centre in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus neighbourhood, a region known for sporadic violence and frequent police operations. During the media session, gunfire rang out in the background, halting not only Coutinho's interview but also those of Vasco teammates Nuno Moreira and goalkeeper Leo Jardim.
Despite the alarming sounds, Coutinho managed a light-hearted reaction, briefly laughing before continuing the interview. According to club sources, such interruptions are not unusual due to the area's proximity to police operations.
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The 32-year-old is currently back at Vasco da Gama, where his professional journey began before he moved to Inter Milan in 2008. Coutinho joined Vasco on loan earlier this year, returning to his boyhood club after stints at several European giants.
Once hailed as one of Liverpool's most creative players, Coutinho scored 54 goals and provided 44 assists in 201 appearances for the Reds between 2013 and 2018. His performances earned him a record-breaking £142 million transfer to Barcelona, but injuries and inconsistency plagued his time at the Camp Nou.
He joined Aston Villa permanently in 2022 after an initial loan spell, but his impact in the Premier League never quite reached the heights of his Anfield days. Coutinho has only scored six goals and made three assists in 43 games for Villa. Last season, he was loaned to Qatari side Al-Duhail, where he registered eight goals and four assists in 23 matches.
With his future at Aston Villa uncertain, it is widely believed he will not feature again for the Midlands club. His return to Brazil has rekindled some of the joy and rhythm that marked the early years of his career.
Vasco manager Fabio Carille has remained non-committal about retaining Coutinho beyond the end of the season, stating in March: "We'll wait. On the technical side, yes, but we have to look at the financial side and other things about the club."
