Richarlison: “I believe, from now on, things will be better”

The ‘fear’ has disappeared for Richarlison, who hopes his double in the 4-1 win against Newcastle United on Sunday is just the start.

The Brazil international had been troubled by a groin problem all season and eventually underwent surgery on the issue on 9 November.

He returned briefly off the bench in our 3-3 draw at Manchester City, came off the bench this time after 67 minutes against West Ham on Thursday night and responded to his first start since our 2-1 win at Palace on 27 October in superb style with two clinical finishes in a complete team display against the Toon.

Speaking to us exclusively in the tunnel afterwards, Richy said: “I believe, from now on, things will be better. The surgery has helped a lot, I saw a great evolution in training and I’m able to kick the ball properly, because before I had a ‘fear’, let’s put it this way, because of the pain in the pubis area. So now I’m 100 per cent and I believe that I can help the team a lot.

“It was an important match. The team evolved, we came from defeats at home, so I think it was important to win the three points against a great team. I think now we need to keep going, we're going to work during the week to be able to face the next match in the same way.

“We have a great squad, we just need to help each other and everything will work properly on the pitch. We need to keep working hard, believe in the work of the coach and things will be back on track for us.”

Our supporters certainly showed their appreciation as Richy brought out his ‘pombo’ (pigeon) celebration. “I’m very happy with the love from the fans,” he added. “I believe I’m ‘owing’ them a bit, but little by little I’ll get more love from them. As I said before, I’ll keep working hard to score more goals.”