Tottenham player suggests Spurs could be stepping stone to bigger club – Feels better with national team

Tottenham forward Richarlison has held a press conference at the national team camp, with his quotes coming via UOL.

Brazil have been using an interim manager since Tite’s departure in December, and it’s no secret that their big wish is to secure Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti for the job.

Since Richarlison previously worked with him, many questions asked during the press conference were about the manager. And one of them was about possibly leaving Tottenham to join the coach at the Santiago Bernabéu.

“Every player wants to wear the shirt of Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world, but I have a club, a contract. I have to show why they bought me for a high price. But it’s a dream for any player to wear the shirt at Real Madrid, but I have to show service by wearing the shirt at Tottenham first.”

Richarlison joined Tottenham in a €58m move from Everton last season, and in his first season with Spurs, he only had three goals and four assists in 35 appearances.

That’s why his call-up for the national team was questioned by many people, and he insists things shall be different on an international level.

“I don’t know, when I wear the national team’s shirt I feel different, more prepared, let’s say. That’s why things start to flow on the pitch, I score a lot of goals for the national team. Everyone can contest my call-up, but when I wear this shirt I can handle it.”

Richarlison was also asked about his teammate Rodrigo Bentancur and the injury he picked up. The forward explained the Uruguayan player is very much missed at Tottenham.

“I believe that Bentancur is one of Tottenham’s main players, he makes the game flow, he moves the ball. He was greatly missed in the final stretch, the coach counted on him a lot. The team dropped a lot in terms of performance, we didn’t get the wins for the Champions League or Europa League. We lost this player, others injured, and the team felt it. We wish him a great recovery, it was a very serious injury.”

Brazil will be playing Guinea and Senegal in the upcoming friendlies. Richarlison was even asked if he’ll keep the number nine, and says no one is taking that from him.

“Nine is mine, man, I don’t have to choose. I had a good World Cup even without a title, everyone here knows I’m the goal-man. You don’t have to choose a shirt, no. Nine is mine.”