Richarlison has refuted claims that he was the leader of a rebellion that caused Tottenham to dismiss Antonio Conte, denying the allegation that he was responsible for the Italian’s departure.
After a 3-3 draw with Southampton, Conte criticized Tottenham’s players as “selfish” and questioned the club’s leadership, prompting his exit eight days later.
Richarlison, who had publicly expressed concern about his lack of playing time during a poor run of form for Spurs, was accused by an Argentinian journalist of giving the club an ultimatum about the coach’s future, a charge that he denies.
Responding to the rumour on Twitter on Thursday, Richarlison wrote: “Questioning and criticising me as a player for my performance is part of football and I get it.
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“However, telling lies about me, I don’t accept! I’ve always had a lot of respect for Conte and for all my coaches.
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“He helped me a lot in my coming to Spurs and whenever we had a problem (even if it was public) we solved it based on conversation and professionalism – and this he can confirm.
“I wasn’t a mutiny leader against him, it was quite the opposite. I’m sorry I didn’t deliver as much as he expected of me and I didn’t do enough for him to stay.
“When he left, I sent him a message thanking him for everything and wishing him the best [because] that’s what he deserves!
“On the other hand, the journalist responsible for this awful lie did not even do the least which would be talking to my PR or listening to me. Bad professional and bad character!”
Conte’s former assistant Cristian Stellini begins his interim period at the helm with a trip to Everton on Monday, with Tottenham sitting fourth in the Premier League.