Roberto De Zerbi says Richarlison's absence from Tottenham's Premier League squad list wasn't his call he insists the Brazilian forward brought it on himself.
When Spurs submitted their 25-man Premier League list on Thursday, injured duo Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert made the cut. Richarlison did not. The exclusion capped a rough week for the 29-year-old, who had already been left out of the matchday squad for Tottenham's 2-0 home loss to Newcastle. Ahead of that game, De Zerbi had been blunt, saying the striker had repeated too often that he wanted to leave. Richarlison responded with an emotional social media post.
De Zerbi framed the situation as Richarlison's own choice rather than a decision forced on the player. He explained that Richarlison had approached him at the start of pre-season and been upfront about wanting out. The coach stressed his priority is building a squad of players who genuinely want to be there and compete with pride, adding that Spurs are moving to sign another forward. On who's responsible for where things stand now, De Zerbi was clear it isn't him he's the head coach, not the sporting director, and matters like this sit with the club.
The fallout carries extra weight given Richarlison was Tottenham's top scorer last season, netting 11 times in 32 appearances, and played a key role in the club's late escape from relegation.
With his Tottenham future in limbo, Richarlison has been linked with a move to Trabzonspor before Turkey's deadline, while Saudi clubs still have a few extra days to complete a deal.
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