Richarlison has opened up about his ambitions with Brazil after featuring briefly in the national team’s latest World Cup qualifier.
As local outlet Itatiaia Esporte reported, the Tottenham forward made clear he wants to fight for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting line-up as the competition for the number nine role intensifies.
The striker came off the bench in the victory over Chile and is currently behind Chelsea’s João Pedro in the pecking order. Still, he believes his form in England shows he is ready to compete.
“I had a good pre-season, worked hard and the new Tottenham coach [Thomas Frank] made a plan for me. I managed to follow that plan closely and everything went well. So I started this season well and I hope to keep it that way to earn my spot,” he explained.
At 28-years-old, Richarlison has been at Spurs since 2022 and is now pushing to return to the level that once made him Brazil’s first-choice striker. He admitted the challenge is greater than ever, given the options Ancelotti has been calling up.
“I think the pressure is bigger, but what matters is that I keep working hard. I want to win that confidence back. I had injuries and personal problems before, but that is resolved now,” he added.
The forward insists his focus is on maintaining rhythm in North London and proving to Ancelotti he can once again lead the line for Brazil. With the World Cup on the horizon, his performances for Tottenham could be decisive in determining whether he reclaims a starting role.