Richarlison isn’t short of confidence after joining Spurs in a £60 million deal this summer. Look out, Bobby Firmino: he’s after your record...
Interview Felipe Rocha
RICHARLISON
Five years ago, Watford announced the purchase of a little-known 20-year-old forward for £11.2 million from Fluminense. It seemed a lot of money for a side who’d just finished 17th in the top flight. Many said it was a gamble. It proved to be a bargain.
“I feel I was made for the Premier League, you know?” Richarlison tells FFT with a smile. Within 11 months his value had rocketed, as his former Hornets boss, Marco Silva, brought him to Everton in a move worth up to £50m.
His first five seasons in the Premier League delivered 48 goals. Only two Brazilians had plundered more: Gabriel Jesus, on 58 at the end of last term, and Roberto Firmino on 71.
This summer, Richarlison made his latest step up, joining Tottenham in a £60m deal. He’s now a key player in the Brazilian national team as well, and there were plenty of willing suitors when his stint on Merseyside came to a natural end, but an overseas transfer was never on his agenda. “I told my agent, ‘I only want to hear offers from Premier League’,” insists Richarlison. “It was clear in my mind – I didn’t want to leave this league.”
He is chasing history, after all...
How do you reflect on your Premier League journey so far?
I couldn’t feel more comfortable here. It’s funny, looking back to when I first signed for Watford: some people said I wouldn’t adapt in this division. I heard that I wouldn’t stay long in England, but I was confident I’d prove people wrong. I scored goals for Watford and Everton and I will again at Tottenham. When I realised it was time to find a new challenge after Everton, I was convinced that I had to stay in England. This is the best league in the world. I want to be the top Brazilian scorer in Premier League history.
How difficult was it to leave Everton?
It’s always a tough call when you have such strong connections with your club, and that was definitely the case for me. I was happy at Everton and I’m grateful for everything I learned there. It’s a big club with a lot of history. However, perhaps they’re suffering with a lack of ambition nowadays. You know, that eagerness to win matches and trophies. I spent four years there and I could see there was still a very long way to go to achieve big things. I felt it was the right time to move on, and the club also had to make some money. It was a good deal for everyone involved. I’m delighted with this new challe
