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Richarlison demands respect and opens door to Everton return amid Tottenham talks

Richarlison has responded to Roberto De Zerbi's claims with a powerful message on Instagram and says he is open to rejoining Everton, the club he loves. The Brazilian forward insists no one will decide his future again and confirms he would return to Goodison Park if the clubs reach an agreement.

NatillaByNatilla6 min read
Richarlison in action for Tottenham during a Premier League match
Richarlison in action for Tottenham during a Premier League match

Richarlison has broken his silence with a clear warning to Tottenham while negotiations with Everton continue. The Brazilian forward has opened the door to an emotional return to his former club, which he calls his 'beloved club', but insists nobody will make decisions about his career without him again. The message comes after Roberto De Zerbi said the player had asked to leave too many times and left him out of the squad for the 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle.

  • Richarlison responds to De Zerbi on Instagram and refuses to let others decide his future.
  • Tottenham and Everton are in talks over Iliman Ndiaye and a possible return for Richarlison.
  • Manchester City stepped in and reached an agreement to sign the Senegal forward.
  • Richarlison scored 12 goals in the 2025-26 season and helped Tottenham avoid relegation.
  • The Brazilian says he will return to Everton if the clubs find an agreement.

Richarlison's message after De Zerbi's comments

The tension between Richarlison and Tottenham came to light on Saturday night. De Zerbi revealed that the Brazilian was left out of the matchday squad against Newcastle because he had asked to leave too many times. The forward responded on social media with a serious tone and a firm warning: he will no longer accept other people deciding his path.

After everything I've been through in the last few years, I've decided that never again will anyone decide my future for me. 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.

Richarlison stressed that he has always acted honestly with Tottenham and that he would only accept a move if it was also good for the club. He points out that he stayed during difficult moments and now expects his situation to be handled with the same respect he has shown since arriving in London.

What is at stake for Tottenham in the final stretch of the window

Tottenham are moving in several directions as the transfer window reaches its final stretch. Talks with Everton over Iliman Ndiaye began on Sunday night, but Manchester City made a decisive move and reached an agreement to sign the Senegalese forward. That development alters Tottenham's plans, as they saw Ndiaye as an attacking reinforcement for a squad in need of goals.

Meanwhile, contact between Tottenham and Everton also included the possibility of Richarlison returning to Merseyside. The Brazilian left Everton in 2022 to sign for Tottenham, and now, three seasons later, a move back to Goodison Park is on the table once again.

Richarlison's time at Everton and his role in Tottenham's survival

Richarlison enjoyed the most stable years of his career in England at Everton. He became an idol for the fans and a decisive forward, so much so that Tottenham paid a significant fee to take him to London. A return to Goodison Park would mean reuniting with a dressing room and a fanbase that see him as a special player.

Last season, the Brazilian scored 12 goals for Tottenham and was crucial in keeping the team in the Premier League. That form contrasted with the physical and mental struggles he endured in previous campaigns, issues he has spoken about openly in several interviews.

The conditions Richarlison sets for an Everton return

The forward was clear when discussing a potential return to Everton. He insists his intention has always been to go back to the club where he was happy, but says previous negotiations only happened the way certain people wanted. His message comes with a warning: from now on, the final decision will be his.

If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton, I will return to my beloved club. 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.

Under contract at Tottenham, Richarlison remains available to the club while negotiations continue. His stance is not that of a player breaking with his team, but of someone demanding to be heard in a decision that will shape his career.

How this affects the Premier League transfer market

A potential Richarlison move reopens the debate over outgoing deals negotiated in the final days of the window. Tottenham need attacking reinforcements and Everton want to bring back a player who knows the club inside out. Manchester City's move for Ndiaye has complicated Spurs' plans and made Richarlison even more valuable, both as a trade asset and as a target for the Toffees.

The final stretch of the English window often brings unexpected turns, and this operation has all the ingredients: a player who feels singled out, a manager who has opened the exit door, and two clubs with urgent sporting needs. The final word, Richarlison assures, will be his.

Frequently asked questions

Why did Richarlison not play against Newcastle?

Roberto De Zerbi said the Brazilian was left out of the matchday squad because he had asked to leave the club too many times. Richarlison responded publicly and defended his stance of not allowing others to decide his future.

Does Richarlison want to return to Everton?

Yes. The forward has said that, if Tottenham and Everton reach an agreement, he will return to the club he considers his beloved club. He insists he was very happy there and that his intention has always been to go back.

What role does Iliman Ndiaye play in this negotiation?

Tottenham opened talks with Everton over Iliman Ndiaye while also discussing a possible return for Richarlison to Goodison Park. However, Manchester City stepped in and completed a deal to sign the Senegalese attacker.

Based on reporting by The Independent.