Richarlison has issued a statement on social media after his proposed transfer from Tottenham to Everton collapsed, with the striker set to remain at Spurs while Manchester City show interest
Richarlison, shown with new Tottenham signing Savio, has spoken about the speculation surrounding him
Richarlison, shown with new Tottenham signing Savio, has spoken about the speculation surrounding him(Image: Getty)
Tottenham striker Richarlison has released a remarkable statement, pointing the finger at those involved in a proposed transfer to Everton for derailing negotiations.
The deal has now collapsed, while a secondary move that would have seen Toffees winger Iliman Ndiaye head to Spurs has been thrown into serious doubt.
While Ndiaye's potential switch is an entirely separate arrangement, Manchester City have stepped up their pursuit of the £60 million ($81.3 million) forward, following their failed bid to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool. Roberto De Zerbi confirmed on Sunday that Richarlison had expressed his desire to leave the club, stating: "Richarlison, I don't know. He said too many times he wants to leave."
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The Brazilian took to social media on Sunday with the message: "I am the villain in many stories that are poorly told."
Reports had suggested that Richarlison had been unable to broker an agreement with his former club, despite his well-documented affection for the Toffees. Now the Brazil international has posted a more detailed statement on Instagram, making it abundantly clear that he alone will dictate the next chapter of his career — though he does remain keen on a return to Everton.
"After everything I've been through in the last few years, I've decided that NEVER AGAIN will anyone decide my future for me. I went through a lot of bad things, and almost all of them happened because decisions were made by other people. Pressure, threats, retaliation - none of that scares me. I've been through far worse, believe me," he said.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Tottenham Hotspu
Richarlison has released an explosive statement(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
"I've always made it clear, every time I had the chance, that leaving for another club would only happen if it was also good for the club. If it wasn't, I would never accept it... just like I didn't accept it when everything was going badly and they needed me.
"I stayed and gave everything. So I hope they treat my situation with the same respect I've always shown Spurs and everyone who worked with me during this period. Just don't try to decide for me."
He later went on to say: "If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton, I will return to my beloved club. My intention was to go back to the place where I was very happy, yes, but the negotiations happened only in the way certain people wanted, and it will no longer be like that. Despite all this turmoil, I am under contract at Spurs and will remain at the club's disposal."