Richarlison scored for Tottenham under-21s on Tuesday night and he has taken to social media to express his delight at being back on the pitch
Richarlison
Richarlison started for Tottenham U21s against Cheltenham Town (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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Richarlison has taken to social media after scoring for Tottenham under-21s on Tuesday night.
The Brazil international has not played for Spurs since August 22 after Roberto De Zerbi left him out of his 25-man squad for the Premier League. Despite featuring heavily during pre-season, the 29-year-old repeatedly asked to leave the club this summer, according to De Zerbi, but turned down moves to his old side Everton and Vasco da Gama over the summer.
As Spurs could only name 17 non-homegrown players in the squad registered with the league, Richarlison was left out with the Lilywhites' new signings instead included after a spend of more than £300million. Richarlison's representatives have explored ways to end his contract with Tottenham, which runs until next summer with the club having an option to extend it by another 12 months, but have so far not found a way out.
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It was a surprise to everyone, then, when Richarlison was named on the teamsheet for the Tottenham under-21s on Tuesday night as Wayne Burnett's side took on Cheltenham in the Jersey Mike's Trophy. The Brazilian, who has scored 20 goals for his country, would take his place on the left of the young Spurs attack as an allowed overage player.
He made his impact in the second half, too, as he hooked home James Rowswell's cross in what was a well-taken goal. Richarlison celebrated the goal with a number of the young Spurs players, who started doing his trademark pigeon celebration.
Richarlison played the full game which ended 2-2 and also scored his penalty in the shoot-out that Tottenham lost 7-6 to hand Cheltenham the extra point.
Richarlison celebrates with his young team-mates after scoring during the Jersey Mike's Trophy match between Cheltenham Town and Tottenham Hotspur U21 at The EV Charger Points Stadium
Richarlison celebrates with his young team-mates after scoring during the Jersey Mike's Trophy match between Cheltenham Town and Tottenham Hotspur U21 at The EV Charger Points Stadium
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After the match, Richarlison took to Instagram to show his delight at being back on the pitch. He posted to his 21 million followers: "Happy to do what I love most in life. I was missing it!"
Tottenham team-mates Destiny Udogie, Mathys Tel and Junai Byfield were among those to comment on the post. Chelsea striker Joao Pedro also commented a pigeon and fire emoji, clearly making his feelings known on his Brazilian counterpart.
While Richarlison would have undoubtedly enjoyed being back in a Tottenham shirt, his future remains unclear. He cannot feature for the senior team until at least January, which is when the club's registered Premier League squad can be changed, although it's highly unlikely he is included anyway.
With the Tottenahm first team jetting off to Marbella this week for a warm-weather training camp, ahead of Monday night's fixture against Coventry, it's possible Richarlison features for Tottenham under-21s yet again on Saturday, this time against Leicester City U21s at Hotspur Way.