Roberto De Zerbi questions Tottenham’s decision to keep Richarlison despite his desire to leave
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has openly questioned the club’s decision to retain Richarlison after the Brazilian forward made it clear that he wanted to leave Spurs before the Premier League transfer deadline.
Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s meeting with Nottingham Forest, De Zerbi was asked about the ongoing situation surrounding the 29-year-old striker.
Richarlison has reportedly been told that he is not part of De Zerbi’s plans and was subsequently left out of Tottenham’s latest Premier League squad. However, he remains contracted to the club despite interest from other teams.
The forward has reportedly reached an agreement to join Turkish side Trabzonspor, although the Turkish transfer window closes on Friday, leaving him with limited time to complete a move. A potential return to former club Everton also failed to materialise.
De Zerbi explained that Richarlison had already told him at the beginning of pre-season that he wanted to leave.
«“Richarlison decided everything himself. He spoke with me at the beginning of pre-season and told me that his idea and desire was to leave.”»
The Italian manager added that his preference is to work with players who genuinely want to remain at Tottenham.
«“I want to keep the players who want to stay and are proud and passionate about staying here.”»
De Zerbi stressed that the final decision over Richarlison’s future rests with the Tottenham hierarchy rather than him.
«“I’m not the sporting director. I’m the coach and I want to work with players who are hungry, even if they don’t play, but are happy to stay at this club.”»
However, the Spurs boss appeared particularly frustrated by the fact that the player wants to leave but the club has not agreed to sell him.
«“It’s not right when the player wants to leave and the club doesn’t want to sell.”»
Richarlison had previously addressed his future
Before the Premier League deadline, Richarlison posted cryptic messages on Instagram amid reports that he was close to returning to Everton in a deal worth around £35 million.
The Brazilian insisted that he did not want other people deciding his future for him, while also making it clear that any transfer would have to benefit Tottenham.
He also suggested that he would have been willing to return to Everton if Spurs and the club had reached an agreement.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Richarlison confirmed that he remains under contract at Tottenham and would continue to make himself available to the club.
