London (AFP) - Tottenham's Brazilian striker Richarlison is preparing to return to Everton in the English Premier League, despite his assertion that "no one will decide my future anymore."

Published on: 08/31/2026 - 20:55

Everton is in talks with Tottenham about a possible deal to return the Brazilian international to Merseyside.

Tottenham's Italian coach, Roberto De Zerbe, said on Saturday that Richarlison was excluded from the team's squad that lost to Newcastle 0-2 because the player "asked to leave many times."

But Richarlison took to Instagram on Monday to present a completely different version of events, before the transfer window closed on Tuesday.

In remarkable statements, Richarlison said, “After everything I have been through over the past few years, I have decided that no one will decide my future for me anymore.”

He added, "I've been through a lot of bad things, and almost all of them happened because others made decisions for me. Pressure, threats, retaliatory measures, none of that scares me. I've been through much worse, believe me."

The Brazilian continued, "I have always made it clear, in every opportunity I have, that moving to another club will only happen if it is beneficial for the club as well. If not, I will never agree. Just as I did not agree to leave when things were going badly and they needed me."

The 29-year-old added, "I stayed and gave everything I had. Therefore, I hope that my situation will be dealt with with the same respect that I have always shown to Tottenham and to everyone who worked with me during this period. Just do not try to make the decision for me."

Richarlison confirmed that he would be happy to return to Everton, the club he played for between 2018 and 2022.

The striker has struggled to impose himself at Tottenham since moving to north London four years ago.

He said, "If Tottenham and Everton reach an agreement, I will return to a club that I love very much. Yes, my intention was to return to the place where I was very happy, but the negotiations only went the way some people wanted, and that will no longer be the case."

He concluded, “Despite all this chaos, I am under contract with Tottenham and will remain at the club’s disposal.”

Richarlison, who had previously spoken openly about his mental health struggles, scored 12 goals during the 2025-2026 season, and helped Tottenham narrowly avoid relegation from the Premier League.

© 2026 AFP

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