Richarlison has issued a pointed public response after being left out of Tottenham's matchday squad, making clear that he alone will determine his future amid ongoing transfer speculation linking him with a move back to Everton.
The saga began over the weekend when Spurs opened discussions with Everton regarding a potential deal for winger Iliman Ndiaye, with separate talks also taking place over the possibility of Richarlison rejoining his former club. Those negotiations were ultimately overtaken by events when Manchester City completed a move to sign Ndiaye from the Toffees.
Richarlison's absence from Tottenham's squad for their 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle drew attention, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi explaining the decision by stating the Brazilian had "too many times" asked to leave the club. That explanation appears to have prompted a strongly worded reply from the striker, who took to Instagram to address the situation directly.
"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 wrote. He went on to reference difficult periods in his career, saying much of what he endured stemmed from choices made by others rather than himself. "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."
The forward was also keen to stress his loyalty to Tottenham, insisting he had never sought to leave unless it benefited the club as well as himself. "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," he said, adding that he had stayed and given his all during tougher times at the club.
Richarlison called for the same consideration to be extended to him now, asking those involved in negotiations to handle his situation with dignity. "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," he wrote.
Crucially, the 28-year-old did not rule out a return to Goodison Park, the club where he first made his name before moving to the Premier League's elite. "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," he added, suggesting he felt sidelined by how talks had unfolded.
Despite the tension, Richarlison reaffirmed his professional commitment to Tottenham for as long as he remains under contract. "Despite all this turmoil, I am under contract at Spurs and will remain at the club's disposal," he said.
The Brazilian, who has spoken openly in the past about struggles with his mental health, played a significant role in helping Tottenham avoid relegation trouble last season, netting 12 goals across the 2025-26 campaign. His statement now leaves the club facing a delicate situation as they navigate his future amid interest from his boyhood club.
Based on reporting from The Independent.