“He knows he has to give us something back,” remarked Rafa Benitez after allowing Richarlison to play at the Olympics with Brazil.
In one sentence, the new Everton boss took control of what could prove a tricky summer situation.
Not only will Richarlison miss the start of the Toffees’ new season after representing his nation at the Copa America and Tokyo Games, his name is also doing heavy rounds when it comes to transfer speculation.
The 24-year-old has been strongly linked with a Carlo Ancelotti reunion at Real Madrid. As soon as the Italian manager left Goodison Park for the Bernabeu in June, speculation began - after all, from Ronaldo to Rivaldo and Neymar to Robinho, the man leading the line for the Selecao usually plays for one of the big two in Spain.
However, Richarlison is an Everton star right now and insisting the player owes his club, Benitez was quick to use the forward’s desire to appear for his country to the Blues’ advantage.
The player himself admitted he had argued with his club over representing Brazil this summer.
“I had a fight there, right?” Richarlison admitted. “I spent the whole day arguing with Everton, with the director. I also called the new coach.
“It’s very important for me to get this experience, get more mature because it’s going to be important to me.”
He is right, the opportunity to be an Olympian and compete for a gold medal doesn’t come around often, especially for a footballer.
However, Everton have considered his personal ambitions too and allowed him the chance to shine on the international stage, knowing the team will be weakened for the Premier League season opener against Southampton at Goodison Park on August 14 without the Brazilian in the line-up.
If Real Madrid do come calling, it is hoped Richarlison remembers how Everton have helped him so far, how the club has supported him, if he has a decision to make. He knows all too well, following his former Everton manager's sudden departure, how it feels when an integral figure ups and leaves. For some, that's football, for others, loyalty is important.
The attacker is certainly good enough to play in the Los Blancos frontline and was described by Ancelotti as a ‘complete striker’ in March. He proved it again on Thursday, becoming the first Premier League player to fire a hat-trick at the Olympic Games and he did so in just 23 first-half minutes against Germany.
Richarlison is the real deal.
However, while he will have ambitions to play at the highest level, Everton’s need is greater after the Olympics. If the Toffees are to compete in the Champions League and fight for titles in the near future, they need players like Richarlison.
Speaking this week, Benitez told Everton’s official website, “I was in contact with him, he had the Olympic Games in the back of his head, we needed to sort out his situation and he is fine.
“He is happy because he can go there… and he knows he has to give us something back because we were supporting him.
“That [not being involved at start of season] could be something we can consider not great in the beginning but will be a massive boost for us in the rest of the season because he will try to deliver.”
Benitez steered the Richarlson conversation back to Everton with authority, he put Everton’s aims and aspirations at the forefront of any possible summer narrative which could unfold.
One senses the number seven is a fiercely committed individual who will work tirelessly for 90 minutes, not only for himself, but for his teammates.
Nobody really knows what 'Richy' thinks privately, but if he believes in the Goodison project and is enjoying his football, he will deliver on his return.
Benitez is right, after the club helped Richarlison realise his Olympics dream, this season Richarlison should stay and try to help Everton achieve theirs.
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