Richarlison has distanced himself from reports of his role in Antonio Conte’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian attacker does not want lies to be spread about him.
Richarlison responds to ‘lies’ about his role in Conte departure
Cristian Romero and Richarlison are said to have played a part in Conte’s premature retirement. The two South Americans would have put the club management in front of the block, according to the Argentinian TyC Sports. It was either the Italian manager out or they would leave.
Richarlison, one of the main targets of Conte’s tirades, firmly rejects that suggestion. “Doubting me as a player or criticizing my game is part of football and I understand that. But I do not accept that lies are spread about me,” he said on social media.
The Brazilian says he has always had respect for Conte: “I’m sorry I couldn’t bring as much as he expected. I haven’t done enough to make him stay. After he left, I messaged him to thank him and wish him well. Because he deserves that.”
Vinicius’ special relationship with Mourinho: “Don’t come with slippers”
Continuing with Spurs, before he showed his skills for PSV, Carlos Vinícius played on a rental basis for Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian looks back with pleasure on Jose Mourinho’s call that preceded the move to London.
Vinicius had a good season at Benfica, scoring 24 times in 47 games in the 2019/20 season. It sparked interest from the Premier League, from Tottenham Hotspur.
The former PSV player can vividly remember the first contact with then Tottenham manager Mourinho. “I remember they told me about the interest and that Mourinho would call me,” Vinicius told Relevo. “I didn’t believe it.”
The Portuguese coach contacted the attacker via FaceTime: “I was like, ‘How are you?’ And then he said to me, ‘Don’t come with the slippers, eh! This is not Brazil, it rains a lot here and it’s very cold.’ I then started laughing. Then he sent me a message that everything was in place.”
That first contact has led to a good relationship between Vinicius and Mourinho. “I was really surprised by the call. Everyone knows the tough Mourinho, but there is also another side. When you talk to him, you see Mourinho with a big heart. I am still friends with him to this day. He is someone I am very fond of. I can say he is my friend,” he added.
The cooperation at Tottenham was limited to one season, in which ten goals were scored in 22 matches. Vinícius continued his journey as a mercenary to PSV. The attacker has now found shelter at Fulham.
