“I know my talent, potential” – Everton player says he’s not just picked because he’s ‘funny’

Everton star Richarlison has barely arrived in Brazil and already held a press conference for the national team.

Called up for an attacking position which is heavily contested, the 24-year-old talked about the competition for his place and explained that some comments made by the local media have been bothering him.

Known for being a friendly guy who’s loved by the teammates, Richarlison stated that he’s not playing for Brazil because of that, but due to his talent.

“We’re talking about the Brazilian team, so every day there’s a new striker there. My position is very competitive. I’m in the national team not because I’m funny or because I joke with my teammates, but because I play my football at Everton,” said Richarlison (via Globo Esporte).

“When I come here, I give my life, I score my goals. I wear this shirt with joy and come here to do my job in the best way.”

Now following an injury which left him out of the past games, he claims he was never out of the fight for a place in the World Cup.

“I was feeling sad, because I was out because of an injury that was serious. And many reporters and commentators already saw me out of the World Cup. And I was calm because I know my talent, my potential. Like it or not, I already have a history here with the national team shirt. I think you should also have a little respect too, we work hard, we work seriously. I was totally relaxed. Of course, we saw the evolution of the new players that arrived. Like it or not, the competition has grown a lot.”

Richarlison also had something to say about his recent form with Everton, claiming he’s been doing well for the Toffees since his recovery.

“After my injury, which was a little serious, I came back fine. I come in a good sequence, even with the team not getting the wins. It was because of this good sequence that I returned to the national team. We have 13 games in the Premier League and the team will evolve. The coaches’ sacking affected the group, we lost three or four important players in the squad, the players who were injured too. So that affected the group a lot, but I continued my focus, working hard, that’s why I returned to the Seleção.”

Brazil now play Chile and Bolivia in the last couple of games in the World Cup qualifiers. Since they’re already qualified for the tournament and guaranteed first place in the table, Tite is now just working to define the squad which is travelling to Qatar for the tournament.

Richarlison’s dream is to be in it.