What on earth is going on with Richarlison?
Over the weekend, reports erupted that Tottenham and Everton had struck a deal — linked to Tottenham's pursuit of Iliman Ndiaye — that would see our former fan-favorite return to Goodison Park. Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi publicly claimed the Brazilian wanted out, and rumors swirled that the 29-year-old was digging his heels in over personal terms.
However, "Pigeon" has taken to social media to set the record straight in an explosive, emotional statement translated directly from his native Portuguese.
The Instagram Statements Translated
First, Richarlison fired a warning shot across the bows on Sunday evening:
"Sou o vilão de muitas histórias mal contadas."
Translation: "I am the villain in many stories that are poorly told."
He followed that up on Monday with a full, fiery statement addressing the boardroom power plays, pressure tactics, and his deep affection for Everton:
"Depois de tudo o que passei nos últimos anos, decidi que NUNCA MAIS ninguém vai decidir o meu futuro por mim. Passei por muita coisa ruim nesse período, e quase todas por decisões tomadas por outras pessoas. Pressão, ameaças, retaliação—nada disso me assusta. Já passei por coisas piores... acreditem!"
Translation: "After everything I’ve been through in the last few years, I decided that NEVER AGAIN will anyone decide my future for me. I went through a lot of bad things during that time, and almost all of them happened because of decisions made by other people. Pressure, threats, retaliation — none of that scares me. I’ve been through worse things... believe me!"
"Deixei sempre claro, em todas as oportunidades, que qualquer saída minha para outro lugar também teria que ser boa para o clube. Se não fosse, eu jamais aceitaria... assim como não aceitei quando tudo aqui estava caindo e precisavam de mim. Fiquei e dei a minha vida. Por isso, espero que tratem a minha situação com o mesmo respeito que sempre tive pelo Spurs e por todas as pessoas que trabalharam comigo nesse período. Só não tentem decidir por mim."
Translation: "I’ve always made it clear, on every occasion, that any move of mine to another place would also have to be good for the club. If it wasn't, I would never accept it... just like I didn't accept it when everything here was falling apart and they needed me. I stayed and gave my life. So, I hope they treat my situation with the same respect that I've always had for Spurs and for all the people who worked with me during this period. Just don't try to decide for me."
"Se chegarem a um acordo entre Spurs e Everton, eu volto para o meu time do coração. A minha intenção era sim voltar para o lugar onde fui muito feliz, mas as negociações foram do jeito que as pessoas queriam, e não vai ser mais assim. Apesar de toda essa turbulência, tenho contrato com o Spurs e estarei à disposição do clube."
Translation: "If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton, I'm going back to my beloved club. My intention was indeed to return 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."
Where Does The Transfer Stand?
The forward's message makes the situation crystal clear:
He Wants Everton: Richarlison explicitly confirmed his desire to rejoin his "beloved club" where he was so happy during his 53-goal spell at Goodison Park.
Power Struggle: He is refusing to be used as a pawn or bullied by Spurs hierarchy while they attempt to orchestrate their own transfer moves.
Ball in the Clubs' Court: If Spurs and Everton finalize a deal that respects his terms and conditions, he is ready to make his return.
While deadline-day negotiations remain chaotic, the player has thrown down the gauntlet. The emotional Brazilian superstar clearly wants the move, but strictly on his own terms.
But in reality, it seemed to have been tied to Iliman Ndiaye joining Spurs, which now seems to have fallen through...
Reader Comments (15)
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2 Posted 31/08/2026 at 20:11:04
I just want Richarlison to get this move because it might be the first time I'll ever see him smile.
Seriously Spurs, let the lad come home. You lot hate him, we love him, he loves us. Make it happen!
3 Posted 31/08/2026 at 20:15:13
Hope this happens, and doesn't go to the wire, running out of time at the last minute !
6 Posted 31/08/2026 at 20:21:52
So we offer 10m now, or 5m in Jan or wait until he is on a free.
I cant imagine he will play much this season and Spurs don't like to lose money. If he will only leave for us we can do a Barcelona (with Jesus) and get him for very little because he wont go elsewhere.
7 Posted 31/08/2026 at 20:24:16
I just want Richy to get this move because it might be the first time I'll ever see him smile. Seriously Spurs, let the lad come home. You lot hate him, we love him, he loves us. Make it happen
8 Posted 31/08/2026 at 20:27:24
It's also a breath of fresh air to hear players like Grealish & Richy saying they want to come to Everton. It's speaks volumes and is a great advert for the club as Dale has alluded to
10 Posted 31/08/2026 at 20:34:33
Great advert for wanting to come to this club despite having to work for what we consider the dinosaur Moyes.
Maybe the players know more than we do as mere supporters
11 Posted 31/08/2026 at 20:36:57
Don't quite get this? We agree a fee with Spurs so it's up to Richarlison, his agent & associates to sit down with us to discuss personal terms. If he doesn't like what's offered he stays, how hard can that be?
He's publically said he's happy to return so what's the problem? you'd think it's be the easiest transfer of the summer.
12 Posted 31/08/2026 at 20:37:59
Reports suggest he failed to agree personal terms with Everton, but could just be a smokescreen. The deal was agreed at £35m between the clubs.
Ndiaye is going to City now anyway. £60m up front with £5m add-ons.
My reading of this is that Richarlison felt like he was a make-weight in the Ndiaye deal - which he isn't happy about.
13 Posted 31/08/2026 at 20:39:06
Sounds like we havent offered him enough in wages. But if he really wanted to come back surely he'd accept less than what he's on at Spurs?
14 Posted 31/08/2026 at 20:39:55
This sounds to me like, he, and his agent aren't happy with the initial terms that Everton have offered.
I bet Spurs fans aren't his biggest fans now. His haggling has let City steal Ndiaye.
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