The Tottenham striker responds to the speculation about a return to Everton.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison has issued a lengthy statement amid speculation over a possible deadline day move to Everton.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Sunday that a deal in principle was in place for the Brazilian international striker to return to Everton – four years after he left the club in the opposite direction.
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It later emerged that a £35 million package had been agreed, with Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye on his way to Spurs in a separate deal worth £60 million.
But Richarlison posted a cryptic post on Instagram shortly after the initial reports – a picture of a Portuguese-language mural that read in English: “I’m the villain in a lot of badly told stories.”
Richarlison: “No one should decide over me anymore”
Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday afternoon that the 28-year-old had not yet agreed personal terms with Everton – which, despite reports to the contrary, directly held back Ndiaye’s move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Senegalese is now expected to join Manchester City on deadline day.
Richarlison has now published two statements – both written in Portuguese – via social media.
In a post on Instagram, he wrote:
“After everything I’ve been through over the last few years, I decided that NEVER AGAIN would anyone else decide my future for me.
I’ve been through a lot of bad things during that time, and almost all of them happened because of decisions made by others. Pressure, threats, retaliation—none of it scares me. I’ve been through worse things… believe me!
I’ve always said it clearly, at every opportunity, that any move 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 fell apart here and they needed me. I stayed and gave everything I had.
So I hope they treat my situation with the same respect that I have always had for Spurs and for all the people who have worked with me during this period.
Just don’t try to decide for me.”
“Everton is close to my heart”
A new statement followed:
“If Spurs and Everton agree, I will return to the club that is close to my heart.
My intention was to go back to the place where I was so happy. But the negotiations were driven by what others wanted – and that is no longer the case.
Despite all the fuss, I am under contract with Spurs and I will make myself available to the club.”
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