Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison has broken his silence over a potential move to Everton, insisting that “never again will anyone decide my future for me”.
Everton are in talks with Tottenham over a deal to bring the Brazil international back to Merseyside before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Richarlison’s comments came after Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi said on Saturday that the striker was left out of the squad for the 2-0 defeat by Newcastle because “too many times he asked to leave”.
The 29-year-old offered a different account of the situation in a statement on Instagram on Monday.
“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.
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“I went through a lot of bad things, and almost all of them happened because decisions were made by other people. Pressure, threats, retaliation – none of that scares me. I’ve been through far worse, believe me.
“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. 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 said he would be willing to return to Everton, where he spent four seasons between 2018 and 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 all this turmoil, I am under contract at Spurs and will remain at the club’s disposal.”
Richarlison joined Tottenham from Everton in 2022 but has struggled for consistency since moving to north London.
He scored 12 goals during the 2025-26 campaign as Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.
