De Zerbi says Richarlison's omission from Spurs squad was player's decision
Quick Look
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto de Zerbi stated that Richarlison's exclusion from the Premier League squad was the player's own decision, not his, after the Brazil forward requested to leave and a potential move to Everton collapsed before the transfer deadline.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Richarlison had expressed desire to leave Tottenham Hotspur at the start of pre-season, and a potential transfer to Everton fell through before the deadline.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto de Zerbi says it was not his decision to leave Richarlison out of the club's Premier League squad.
While injured duo Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert were included in the 25-man list that Spurs submitted to the Premier League on Thursday, the Brazil forward was a notable omission after a turbulent week.
On Saturday, De Zerbi said the 29-year-old had asked to leave Tottenham and he was close to joining former club Everton before Tuesday's transfer deadline but a deal fell through.
"It was not my decision. It is the normal decision," said the Italian boss.
"I think Richarlison, he decided everything alone. He spoke with me at the beginning of the pre-season and told me his idea and desire was to leave.
"At the end we go to bring another striker [in] and like I said at the beginning of the pre-season, I want to keep the players, just the players that want to stay and be proud and with the right passion to stay here.
"Then for everything and other problems, it is not my business and not my job. It is the responsibility of the club.
"I can't say nothing because I didn't decide anything. The message of Richarlison from the beginning of the season has been very clear. I accepted that and for me [there is] nothing [to say]."
Trabzonspor have been linked with a move for Richarlison with the transfer deadline for Turkish clubs set to close at 22:00 BST on Friday.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia can sign players until Sunday, but if the ex-Everton forward remains at Spurs, he will be ineligible to play in the Premier League.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Richarlison will remain at Tottenham Hotspur for the remainder of the season if no transfer is completed.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will Richarlison remain at Tottenham Hotspur for the season?
- Which clubs might pursue Richarlison if he stays ineligible for Premier League play?
- What impact will Richarlison's situation have on Tottenham's squad depth?
