Richarlison has been linked with a return to Everton from Tottenham this summer and the Brazilian has now released a statement on his future
Richarlison has made it abundantly clear that no one will pressure him into determining the next chapter of his career, amid ongoing negotiations between Everton and Tottenham over a potential transfer.
Spurs are attempting to secure the signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Everton, with Manchester City also in the running, and as part of a separate arrangement, Everton and Tottenham have been in discussions to move Richarlison in the opposite direction. The Brazilian has just 10 months remaining on his contract in north London, though the club hold an option to extend it by a further year.
"Richarlison, I don't know. He said too many times he wants to leave," said Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi on Saturday.
The Brazilian took to social media on Sunday with the message: "I am the villain in many stories that are poorly told."
There had been suggestions that Richarlison had been unable to reach an agreement with his former club despite his fondness for the club, and now the Brazil striker has issued a lengthier statement on Instagram, making it plain that only he will determine what lies ahead in his career - though he has expressed a desire to return to Everton, reports our sister title Football.London.
"After everything I've been through in the last few years, I've decided that NEVER AGAIN will anyone decide my future for me," he said. "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 then added: "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."
The 29-year-old became a huge favourite at Goodison Park before his £60m move to Tottenham in the summer of 2022.
He scored 53 goals in 152 appearances for Everton and was paramount to the club surviving relegation in 2021-22.