Ex-Man Utd academy star, 19, died after quitting football amid sudden mood shift

A former player of Manchester United Academy died in February with family who had seen a 'sudden change in his mood', heard an investigation.

Vinicius de Oliveira Cabral de Souza, known as Vini, was found dead on February 20 in his bedroom in the parental home in Walkden.

The Souza was born in Brazil and grew up in Portugal before moving to Manchester 10 years ago.

The Hof van Bolton Corner heard that the Souza was 'disappointed' after he had fallen by Man United's Academy in 14.

His sister Mayara de Souza told the corner that her brother, who worked in a warehouse and played for the city of Warrington, had repeatedly told friends and family 'I have disappointed you'.

The news from Manchester Evening reported that the Souza family thought it was 'unclear' why he believed that he had 'disappointed' them.

The Souza had continued to play football for five years after leaving Man United, but suddenly stopped training with Warrington Town.

It was claimed that his self -respect was also hit when his acne returned after steroid cream that he was prescribed. When doctors no longer prescribe the cream, the Souza reportedly bought more online from India, even though his sister told him not to use it.

“He stopped doing the things he liked, such as football, going to the gym and seeing friends,” the Souza sister told the court of Bolton Coroner.

“He started to apologize about the way he treated us and we didn't understand what he meant.

“His best friend too, he said the same to him and he said he doesn't know why.”

Mayara de Souza added that she had told her brother of her concern that he was depressed last December, but he “laughed at me.”

He reportedly refused to attend an offer of further sessions with a psychotherapist, after attending a in January.

The Souza reportedly booked tickets to travel to Brazil in April, but was found dead in his bedroom.

The police concluded that he had died as a result of 'self -inflicted resources by hanging'. Assistant coroner Stephen Tesdale was satisfied with the verdict and took death as a 'suicide'.

“There is nothing more that you could have done, you did everything,” Teesdale told the sister and father of the Souza.

'You saw the problem – depression. You have made a plan, you were looking for professional help from a psychotherapist.

“You had a plan to take him to Brazil. There is nothing more that you could have done. He had a fully supporting family. It had to do with how he saw the world. '

Warrington FC, after the death of the Souza in February, placed a tribute to the teenager.

“The 19-year-old joined the club in 2023 and immediately made an impact with his fantastic technical skills, and has been a prominent part of the club's youth arrangement,” the club wrote.

'Sorer of the most spectacular goals, Vini was a highly respected, loved member of the club, and his assets gave him a plate training with the first team despite his young age.

“In the past two seasons, Desouza has contributed 17 goals in 12 assists in 42 performances from midfield about young people under the age of 18 and under the 21s.”

Teammate Sam Gill added: 'Vini was a beloved and much appreciated player in our team. He grew in his character when his time continued in Warrington and all the boys had so much respect for him.

'He was an extremely talented football player with so much ability, had a big impact with us and therefore earned his space for training and playing matches with the first team.

'Vini is someone who will be missed a lot, both on the field and more importantly, his character in the changing rooms and outside of football. We will all miss him and we will send our condolences to his family at this difficult time. '

The club launched a fundraising campaign to help his family cover funeral costs, with nearly £ 15,000 picked up.

Ex-man United star Jesse Lingard was one of those who contribute, donating the former international of England £ 5,000.

For help and support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or go to Samaritans.org

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