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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Richarlison declares "lack of ambition" at Everton was behind Tottenham transfer

Richarlison has revealed he left Everton for Tottenham in the summer because the Merseyside club "had a lack of ambition".

Champions League hopefuls Spurs signed Richarlison, 25, from the Toffees in a £60million deal in July. The Brazil international, who is expected to be part of his country's squad for this year's World Cup in Qatar, agreed a five-year contract with Antonio Conte's side.

Richarlison was a fan favourite at Goodison Park, playing a crucial role in their Premier League survival last season. He scored 53 goals in 152 games for Everton after arriving from Watford in July 2018. He's previously played for America Miniero and Fluminense.

"It’s always a tough call when you have such strong connections with your club, and that was definitely the case for me," Richarlison told FourFourTwo. "I was happy at Everton and I’m grateful for everything I learned there. It’s a big club with a lot of history.

"However, perhaps they’re suffering with a lack of ambition nowadays. You know, that eagerness to win matches and trophies. I spent four years there and I could see there was still a very long way to go to achieve big things.

"I felt it was the right time to move on, and the club also had to make some money. It was a good deal for everyone involved. I’m delighted with this new challenge at Spurs."

Richarlison left Everton for Tottenham in July (Getty Images)

What do you make of Richarlison's admission? Let us know in the comments below!

Everton stayed up by just four points last term, despite many critics tipping them to finish in the top half of the table. "It was a very stressful season, to be honest," added Richarlison. "We had a lot of injuries and the squad wasn’t big enough to cope.

"I personally had some issues, too. As soon as the previous Premier League campaign had finished, I played in the Copa America, then the Olympic Games, and then the Premier League started again. I had no break and sustained a few injuries during the season."

Richarlison's connection with Everton was evident when he left in the club. He wrote on Instagram : "It's very difficult to say goodbye to a place that has become my home; of fans who welcomed me not just as another player, but as if I were one of them, in the stands.

"And a club that treated me kindly and helped me develop my sense of community and empathy. No words and not all the love I have for this club is enough to thank you. We'll see you along the way! I love you Evertonians."

Explaining Richarlison's exit in July, Everton manager Frank Lampard said: "Firstly on Richy, it was a real pleasure to manage him for four months. He was such a wholehearted player and a quality player. A quiet lad, not a huge communicator - that's just how he was.

"But when he played for Everton, and I think that's why the fans had such a link to him, he showed it and wore it on his sleeve - he'd give everything for you. So it's a shame to lose him in that sense, but the reality was that Richy wanted to play in the Champions League, he made that pretty clear... We wish Richy well at Tottenham."

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