Richarlison Reveals Rift with Everton: Claims ‘Only One Person’ Wanted Him to Stay Amid Contract Clause Dispute
Former Everton star Richarlison has revealed that his departure from the Merseyside club was not as amicable as it seemed. In a candid interview, the Brazilian forward claimed that “only one person” at Everton wanted him to stay after a disagreement over a key clause in his contract. The revelation sheds new light on his exit to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2022, a move that left Everton fans heartbroken and the club scrambling for attacking replacements.
The Fallout Over the Contract Clause
Richarlison has hinted that his departure from Everton was triggered by the club’s refusal to agree to a specific clause in his new contract. Although he didn’t go into full detail, reports suggest that the clause in question could have been related to a release fee, performance bonuses, or assurances about the club’s ambition in the transfer market.
Speaking about his time at Everton, Richarlison said:
“I loved the fans, the city, and my teammates. But when it came to renewing my contract, I felt that only one person at the club truly valued me and wanted me to stay. The rest didn’t fight for me. That’s when I knew it was time to move on.”
Who Was ‘The One Person’?
While Richarlison didn’t explicitly name the individual who supported him, speculation points to then-manager Frank Lampard or director of football Kevin Thelwell. Lampard often praised Richarlison’s work ethic and importance to the team during his tenure, while Thelwell was seen as a key figure in trying to keep Everton’s squad competitive amid financial challenges.
A Painful Exit for Everton Fans
Richarlison’s departure to Tottenham in a deal worth £60 million was a bitter pill to swallow for Everton fans. The Brazilian had been a fan favorite since his arrival from Watford in 2018, becoming a talismanic figure with his passion, versatility, and knack for scoring crucial goals.
During his four years at Goodison Park, Richarlison scored 53 goals in 152 appearances and played a pivotal role in keeping Everton in the Premier League during the 2021/22 relegation battle. His performances earned him the adoration of fans, many of whom still view his departure as a major turning point for the club.
The Club’s Financial Struggles
Richarlison’s comments also highlight the financial difficulties Everton were facing at the time of his exit. The club’s struggles with Financial Fair Play (FFP) meant they were forced to sell key assets to balance the books. Despite the player’s importance, Everton may have prioritized financial stability over keeping him, a decision that has arguably contributed to their continued struggles in the Premier League.
Mixed Success at Tottenham
Since joining Spurs, Richarlison has had an up-and-down time in North London. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, injuries and competition for places have limited his impact. However, his passion and work ethic remain evident, and his performances for Brazil continue to demonstrate his quality.
In the same interview, Richarlison expressed no regrets about his move:
“I gave everything for Everton, but sometimes in football, you have to take the next step. At Tottenham, I’ve had challenges, but I’m here to grow and achieve big things.”
Fan Reactions
Everton fans, still emotionally attached to Richarlison, have reacted with a mix of frustration and understanding. Many have taken to social media to express their views:
•“Richarlison gave his all for us. If the club didn’t fight for him, it’s no wonder he left.”
•“We miss him every week. Letting him go was a mistake, but the board never seems to value our best players.”
Tottenham fans, on the other
hand, have shown their support for Richarlison, emphasizing his work ethic and potential to thrive in North London:
•“Richarlison hasn’t hit his best form yet, but you can see his passion and hunger every time he plays. Spurs need players like him.”
•“It’s only a matter of time before Richarlison silences his critics. The guy is a warrior!”
Everton’s Struggles Since His Departure
Richarlison’s exit marked the beginning of a challenging period for Everton. Without his goals and leadership on the pitch, the Toffees have struggled to replace his impact. The club has faced back-to-back relegation battles, and their inability to secure a consistent goal scorer has been a glaring issue.
Despite bringing in players like Neal Maupay and Dwight McNeil, neither has managed to replicate the energy and output Richarlison brought to the team. Many fans and pundits view his departure as a critical moment that left Everton weaker and more vulnerable.
What’s Next for Richarlison?
At Tottenham, Richarlison has an opportunity to cement his place as a key player under manager Ange Postecoglou. With Harry Kane no longer at the club, the Brazilian has more responsibility to lead the line and contribute regularly in the attacking third. If he can stay fit and rediscover his scoring touch, Richarlison could yet justify his £60 million price tag.
In the interview, Richarlison hinted at his ambitions:
“I want to win trophies and be remembered as a player who gave everything. That’s my goal at Tottenham—to make history and repay the faith they’ve shown in me.”
Everton’s Need for Stability
For Everton, the situation underscores the importance of better squad management and clear strategic planning. The club must find a way to retain its best players and invest wisely to avoid falling further behind its Premier League rivals.
The board’s handling of Richarlison’s contract and eventual departure has left a lasting impression on fans, who continue to call for greater ambition and accountability. Without significant changes, Everton risks repeating the same mistakes with other key players in the future.
Final Thoughts
Richarlison’s candid remarks about his Everton exit reveal the complexities behind player-club relationships in modern football. While his departure was a blow for the Toffees, it also highlighted the challenges of balancing financial constraints with sporting ambitions.
For Richarlison, the move to Tottenham represents a new chapter in his career, one filled with both challenges and opportunities. For Everton, his words serve as a reminder of the cost of undervaluing their stars—a mistake they can ill afford to repeat as they strive to reclaim their status as one of England’s elite clubs.
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