Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison has insisted that he will make his own decisions about his future as talks continue over a potential return to Everton before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Everton are reportedly negotiating with Tottenham over a deal to bring the Brazil international back to Merseyside, where he spent four successful seasons between 2018 and 2022.
The situation took a dramatic turn after Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi said on Saturday that Richarlison was left out of the squad for the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle because the striker had “too many times” asked to leave the club.
Richarlison responded on Instagram on Monday, offering a different account of his situation and making it clear that he intends to have control over his next move.
“After everything I’ve been through in the last few years, I’ve decided that never again will anyone decide my future for me,” Richarlison said.
The 29-year-old said he had endured difficult experiences during his career and would no longer allow external pressure to dictate his decisions.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
Richarlison also confirmed that he would welcome the opportunity to return to Everton, where he became a popular figure among supporters before moving to Tottenham in 2022.
“If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton, I will return to my beloved club,” he said.
“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 the uncertainty surrounding his future, Richarlison stressed that he remains a Tottenham player and is prepared to continue serving the club if a transfer cannot be agreed.
“Despite all this turmoil, I am under contract at Spurs and will remain at the club’s disposal,” he said.
Richarlison has struggled for consistency since joining Tottenham but enjoyed an improved campaign last season, scoring 12 goals as the club narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.
A return to Everton would represent an emotional reunion for the forward, who scored 53 goals in 152 appearances during his previous spell at Goodison Park.
With the transfer deadline approaching, negotiations between Everton and Tottenham will determine whether Richarlison gets his desired return to Merseyside.
