Tottenham striker Richarlison has introduced uncertainty into a potential transfer back to Everton, posting a message on social media stating that he will not allow anyone else to decide his future. The forward's comments come amid reports that Tottenham had accepted a £60 million offer from Everton for Iliman Ndiaye, with Richarlison being discussed as part of a potential swap deal valued at £35 million plus add-ons.
Richarlison, 29, expressed his feelings in a post written in Portuguese. "After everything I've been through in the last few years, I've decided that no one will ever again decide my future for me," he stated. "I've been through a lot of bad things during this 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... believe me!"
He further elaborated on his stance regarding transfers. "I have always made it clear, on every occasion, that any move to another club would also have to be good for the club. If it wasn't, I would never accept it... just as I didn't accept it when everything here was falling apart and they needed me. I stayed and gave my all."
The player indicated a desire to return to Everton, referring to it as "my club of heart," but emphasized that negotiations should align with his expectations. "If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton, I will return to my club of heart. My intention was indeed to return to the place where I was very happy. Only that the negotiations were the way people wanted and it will not be that way anymore. Despite this turmoil I have a contract with Spurs and I will be at the club's disposal."
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi had previously told the media after a recent defeat that Richarlison was among three players who had expressed a desire to leave the club. De Zerbi confirmed that Richarlison, along with players Danso and Sarr, had communicated their wishes to depart.
"Richarlison, he said too many times that he wanted to leave. Danso came to me two days ago and said he wanted to leave. Sarr the same," De Zerbi said. "I love these players and these are great guys. I have very good relationships. But if they want to leave they have to bring the economic solution to the club and they can go, and we’ll find other players."
Prior to his latest statement, Richarlison had shared an image on social media that read, in translation, "I am the villain of many poorly told stories." He joined Tottenham from Everton in 2022 for a reported £60 million and has scored 32 goals in 134 appearances for the club. During his time at Everton, he scored 53 goals in 152 games.