Richarlison credits Everton with helping him do well for Brazil at Copa America

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The Toffees attacker has returned to Goodison Park after a break following his nation’s continental triumph on home soil.

Everton star Richarlison has sung the Premier League club’s praises following his triumphant return from international duty, describing Goodison Park as his second home and crediting the Toffees with helping him make his Brazil breakthrough (official website).

The Brazilian became Marco Silva’s first signing at Everton when joining from Watford in a reported £40million deal (Liverpool Echo) towards the end of July, reuniting the two after their prior stint working together at Vicarage Road.

Richarlison enjoyed a fruitful debut season at Goodison Park, scoring 13 Premier League goals (Transfermarkt) and breaking into the Selecao senior team, including making the 23-man squad for this summer’s Copa America on home soil (CBF).

The 22-year-old then capped off his great club campaign with a major international trophy as Brazil won their first Copa America title in 12 years, scoring a late penalty in the final against Peru, who trailed by just one goal at that point, to make absolutely sure of victory for the Selecao.

Richarlison was back at the Everton’s Finch Farm headquarters on Monday, three weeks after the Copa America final and following a short break, and he stressed that he cannot wait to get back to action for the Toffees.

“I was really missing training and my teammates and very keen to get back on the pitch playing again,” Richarlison told evertontv, as quoted by the official website. “It is my second home here at Everton, my football home. I am really happy to be here and I hope to contribute throughout the season for my club.

“It was here at Everton I gained the confidence to get my place in the national team. I scored a lot of goals and spent the whole season in the team and working hard to improve. That gave me a lot of belief and confidence, I went to the national team and did what I do. The other players with Brazil also helped increase my confidence and belief and that was really important.”

Everton have one more pre-season friendly, at Werder Bremen, before kicking off their Premier League campaign away at Crystal Palace on Saturday 10 August.