Richarlison’s honest reflections on his first season
Tue 30 May 2023, 19:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Richarlison has vowed to return ‘much stronger’ following a frustrating debut season in N17.
An arrival from Everton last summer, our number nine posted a message on his Instagram channel following our final outing of the season, Sunday's 4-1 win at Leeds United, giving his honest reflections on his first campaign in our colours.
Having started brightly with two assists in his first five Premier League appearances for us before he opened his goalscoring account with a Champions League brace - on what was his debut in the competition - against Marseille, his positive early showings were then brought to a halt as he sustained a calf injury against his former side, the Toffees, in October.
Watch - Richarlison's brace against Marseille
He featured just once more for us before heading to the World Cup with Brazil, where he impressed, picking up the Goal of the Tournament award for his scissor kick strike against Serbia in the group stages – a goal which was later nominated for the FIFA Puskas award - however, our number nine then suffered another unfortunate injury as his nation fell to Croatia at the quarter-final stage.
Having to recover from those setbacks was a new challenge for Richarlison, and he acknowledges that it was a hurdle that disrupted his rhythm and left him frustrated. But, determined to deliver in Lilywhite, he has promised to start afresh next season and return in a much better place.
“Easy to say this wasn't my dream season,” said the Brazil international on social media. “I came to a club that bet high on my signing and the Champions League to compete; and I finish this first season without delivering what I know I can and without achieving Tottenham's collective goals.
“Anyone who has followed me saw that injuries were almost routine, something that had never happened to me before, and so I could never really have a sequel, which frustrated me a lot and really messed up my income.
“Even though I gave blood every time I walked on the field, I know it wasn't enough. Now it's time to rest, get my head right and take care of myself to start all over again next season 100% physically and much stronger. 🙌🏽🤙🏽”
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