Richarlison Goes Public in Tottenham Dispute: 'No One Will Decide My Future for Me'

The public dispute between Richarlison and Tottenham has escalated again. The Brazilian forward posted a strong statement on social media, saying that he would “no longer allow anyone to make decisions for me,” while manager De Zerbi responded at the pre-match press conference that the idea of leaving had been Richarlison’s own choice from the beginning.

De Zerbi: He decided to leave long ago

At the pre-match press conference, De Zerbi was asked about his disagreement with Richarlison and revealed that the player had approached him early in pre-season to express his desire to leave. “I think Richarlison made all the decisions himself,” De Zerbi said (according to Football London). “At the beginning of pre-season he spoke with me and told me that his idea and desire was to leave. In the end, we signed another striker. Like I said at the start of pre-season, I only want to keep players who want to stay, who are proud to stay here and who have passion.”

De Zerbi also distanced himself from negotiations at the club level: “As for the other issues, that is not my matter and not my job. That is the club’s responsibility. I cannot say anything because I have not decided anything. Richarlison sent a very clear message from the start of the season, I accepted it, and for me there is nothing more.”

Richarlison hits back on social media: Pressure, threats and retaliation will not scare me

De Zerbi’s comments came after Richarlison posted a statement on social media. The 29-year-old forward wrote on Instagram: “After everything I have experienced over the past few years, I have decided that I will no longer allow anyone to decide my future for me.”

“I have gone through many bad experiences, and almost all of them happened because decisions were made by other people. Pressure, threats, retaliation — none of these things will scare me.”

He also said he hoped Tottenham would respect his position: “I have always made it clear at every opportunity that if I transfer anywhere, it must also benefit the club. If that is not the case, I would never accept it. Just like when everything here fell apart and they needed me, I did not accept leaving.”

“I stayed and gave everything I had. So I hope they treat my situation with the same respect that I have shown Tottenham and everyone I have worked with during this time. Just do not try to make decisions for me.”

Turkish transfer window closes, Richarlison set to remain at Tottenham for now

With the Premier League domestic transfer window closed, Richarlison was not included in Tottenham’s official 25-man Premier League squad list. Reports had previously stated that Turkish club Trabzonspor attempted to sign him, and that the player had reached agreement on personal terms with the club. However, with the Turkish Super Lig deadline also passed, the former Everton star appears set to remain at Tottenham.

Asked about Trabzonspor’s interest before the Turkish transfer deadline, De Zerbi said he was unsure. “I don’t know if there was an offer from Turkey,” De Zerbi admitted. “I know there was an offer before the Premier League transfer window closed, but he did not accept it. For me, nothing has changed.”