The Merseyside derby, which will be played at Goodison Park on Sunday, has been given some extra spice by Richarlison’s comments.
Speaking to Youtube channel Desimpedidos, the Brazilian had a lot to say about the rivalry between Everton and Liverpool.
His quotes have been widely covered, but ended up also being twisted or cut a little bit. So we thought it’d be better to put his statements in full, all in the same story.
It started with journalist Bolívia asking Richarlison about the derby, quizzing him if the rivalry is like ones in Brazil.
“Ah, I think even bigger. The rivalry is very heavy. When it’s derby day here, the city stops. Whoever wins has a party and whoever loses goes to the coffin. Here it’s like that,” said Richarlison.
“Last year we lost in the 94th minute, it was a huge disappointment because we were doing well in the league, we were fighting for a Champions League spot, and suddenly that defeat came. The dressing room was bad. That defeat came and the team lost confidence, we started losing some games. So the derby here is very important to win during the year.”
Asked if Liverpool are the most hated team in the Premier League, he said: “Oh, I don’t know. I think so. Also because the guys come from a good sequence, they are fighting every year for the Premier League, just like Manchester City, last year they won the Champions League. So it’s a team that everyone wants to beat.”
Then Richarlison was asked if Virgil van Dijk is as good as people say, and contrary to many reports, the Everton player did say good things about the Liverpool defender.
“Yeah. People talk a lot about him. He’s a great defender, yes, but I’ve dribbled past him, see? I’ve gone past hm. He was chosen there among the three best in the world, with good reason, he had an excellent season last year. Great defender, yes, I have to agree. But I think there are better defenders.
“Thiago Silva, Marquinhos on the same level. Another one? Sérgio Ramos.”
Then Bolívia mentioned that Richarlison and Van Dijk came face to face in a recent derby, and asked him if things had got ugly, if he’d exchange punches with the Dutchman, or if he’s too big.
“Oh, I could (laughs). Am I running away? Running is worse, right? It’s part of the derby. The derby here is tough. I was trying to win a little time by getting into trouble. It didn’t help, they scored the goal in the last minute.”
Regarding an argument he had with Trent Alexander-Arnold in another derby, Richarlison said: “Yeah. That was another game. The referee had already whistled and I made a slide tackle. He jumped up and left his foot on my thigh and I had to face him so I wouldn’t leave it aside.
“I only got to his face, because last year I only touched the guy like that, I was sent off and I was suspended for three games. I learned from the mistake”.
Richarlison was also asked if he plans to move to a club in the top six next season. He says he’s been receiving offers, but is happy to stay at Everton.
“Several proposals arrived in the middle of the season. Barcelona, Manchester.”
Asked if they were concrete offers, with contract length and salary, he confirmed it.
“Yes. And then the club decided to hold on because I also didn’t want to leave the team like that in the middle of the season. It’s bad to leave your teammates like that. I even renewed the contract. I’m happy here, I prefer to stay here.”
Questioned if he was moved by Barcelona’s interest, he said: “Oh, absolutely. Barcelona, right, man. One of the biggest teams in the world. Of course it moves us, but I think the happiness part weighs a little.”
