Paul Merson was left stunned when Everton signed Brazil international Richarlison from Premier League rivals Watford last summer.
Everton forward Richarlison has sent a less-than subtle dig at Paul Merson on Twitter at the end of his impressive debut season at Goodison Park – and who can blame him?
The critics were out in force when The Toffees invested a club record £50 million in the former Watford attacker last summer with Merson one of the many who questioned the sanity of the Merseyside giants (BBC).
“I think that’s [Richarlison signing] what’s spoiled the window if I’m being perfectly honest,” the former Arsenal and Aston Villa playmaker said last summer, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
Considering that the former Fluminense forward had endured a mixed start to life in the Premier League with Watford, scoring just five times with his form collapsing after Christmas, you could understand why Merson was questioning his transfer fee.
But Richarlison’s potential has really stood out since he reunited with Marco Silva at Goodison Park.
He netted 13 league goals in a single season with Everton, his impressive form turning the 22-year-old into a key player for the Brazilian national team too. So Richarlison has certainly earned his chance to bite back, at Merson in particular.
Taking to Twitter, Richarlison has offered ‘a big hug’ to the Gunners legend. Yes, he’s clearly revelling in silencing those critics.
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