With Everton star Richarlison repeatedly making clear his commitment to Brazil and international football, he’d of course be upset to miss the last rounds of the World Cup qualifiers.
Brazil had games against Colombia and Argentina, two of the best teams in South America, and the Toffees’ forward had to stay in England recovering from a knee injury.
Now as Richarlison spoke this week to ESPN Brasil, he talked about how he felt at not travelling for the international break, explaining he understands how much he needed this period of rest.
“In this call, I was sad, I wanted to play Brazil vs Argentina, Brazil vs Colombia. But I understood the professor. My health matters more,” Richarlison told ESPN Brasil.
“I was coming back from an injury that is serious. It’s about continuing at Everton to get back there 100%. There have been times when I went to the national team with an injured ankle, even a broken rib… The national team is everything to me. I missed it. I watched it on TV, I wanted to be there, but be patient. It’s about playing well because next time I want to be there.”
Richarlison also revealed he had been taking injections to play, as he’s been in pain for a while.
“I had been feeling my knee a lot since the Olympics. From the quarterfinals. I only went to games with injections. As the doctor said, back in London, it’s a bit of the wear and tear of last season.”
Now Richarlison knows he must return to the national team and prove himself to get a place at the World Cup. Even though he’s been getting many chances with Brazil recently, he knows the competition for his position is huge.
“I have to keep working hard. Every day there’s a new a player in Brazil, mainly forwards. We have to work hard. It’s getting close to the World Cup, and I want to be in, always playing there. I hadn’t been out of any call ups, it was a shock. It gives a squeeze to the heart. I can’t be sad, I have to work.
“I was coming back from a serious injury and I knew people would do well. I’ve followed Raphinha here, Antony since the Olympics. I hope they continue like that too, because Brazil can only win. It’s about continuing to work.”
