Richarlison has told BT Sport that a phone call from Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte convinced him to join Spurs in the summer – amid interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea. He completed a £60million move from Everton.
Richarlison, 25, joined Spurs in what was a club-record move after having a hand in 67 goals in 152 games for Everton. Fabrizio Romano said in September that Chelsea made a bid for him, while Arsenal asked Everton about Richarlison.
Since joining Tottenham, Richarlison has made a solid start. He has clocked up nine appearances, having a hand in five goals. That is, despite only starting five times and completing 90 minutes on three occasions. He has impressed, so far.
On Tuesday night, he is more than likely to start for Spurs in Germany against Eintracht Frankfurt. Lucas Moura and Dejan Kulusevski are both on the sidelines with injury. Ahead of the game, he spoke about a phone call from Conte.
“He called me. Told me he was counting on me, he knew I can play in all three attacking positions, so I would be very important to the club. That made me feel confident to come, because all a player wants is a coach who trusts him.”
Richarlison: Phone call from Conte convinced him to join Tottenham
Richarlison has proven to be one of Tottenham’s best summer signings, if not the best. Ivan Perisic has been excellent, while Clement Lenglet is beginning to start more often due to the injury suffered by Ben Davies on the left in defence.
Djed Spence is struggling for game time, Fraser Forster is back up, Yves Bissouma is yet to get a run in the side. Destiny Udogie is back on loan at Udinese. So of the seven signings, it is easy to argue Richarlison has been the best so far.
But Spurs need him more than ever. Tuesday night provides Spurs with a crucial Champions League clash that they have got to win, after losing to Sporting Lisbon last time out. Richarlison will be hoping he can score his third goal.
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