Richarlison sends cryptic message after agreeing Tottenham exit

Richarlison has fuelled speculation surrounding his Tottenham departure with a cryptic social media message as the Brazilian closes in on a return to Everton.

The 29-year-old is set to end his four-year spell in north London after falling out of Roberto De Zerbi's immediate first-team plans and repeatedly expressing his desire to leave.

With an agreement now reportedly in place for Richarlison to return to Merseyside, the forward posted a pointed message on social media: “I am the villain of many poorly told stories.”

Richarlison's post arrived shortly after Tottenham's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United, a game for which he was left out of De Zerbi's squad.

The Brazilian initially shared a photograph of himself from last season alongside a thinking emoji before following it with the “villain” message.

While Richarlison offered no additional explanation, the timing inevitably drew attention given the uncertainty surrounding his Tottenham future.

Interestingly, Spurs teammate Xavi Simons was among those who liked the post, which attracted tens of thousands of reactions.

The message comes during a turbulent period for Tottenham, with several members of De Zerbi's squad seeking departures before the transfer deadline.

De Zerbi had already publicly addressed why Richarlison was no longer involved.

“Richarlison, I don’t know. He said too many times he wants to leave,” the Tottenham manager said.

De Zerbi also revealed that Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr had approached him about departures, although he stressed that he maintained good personal relationships with the players.

“I love these players, and they are great guys,” he added.

Sarr is already closing in on a move to Juventus, while Richarlison now appears destined to follow him through the exit door.

A solution has emerged through negotiations between Tottenham and Everton.

Richarlison has reportedly agreed to return to his former club, while Iliman Ndiaye is expected to move in the opposite direction and become another attacking addition for De Zerbi.

The transfers remain subject to medical examinations and the completion of personal terms, but there is optimism that both can be concluded before the deadline.

A return to Everton would take Richarlison back to the club where he enjoyed arguably the most productive period of his career.

He contributed directly to 68 goals in 152 appearances during his previous four-year spell on Merseyside.

Richarlison joined Tottenham for £60m in 2022 but struggled to consistently establish himself as a leading figure in north London.

He will leave having recorded 32 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, while also being part of the Spurs squad that lifted the Europa League.

His final weeks at the club have been dominated by uncertainty over his future, culminating in his exclusion from De Zerbi's squad and public confirmation that he had repeatedly requested an exit.

The cryptic social media post now adds one final layer of intrigue as his Tottenham career approaches its conclusion.

Richarlison and Ndiaye must complete their medicals and finalise personal terms before their respective moves can be completed.

Barring a late complication, Richarlison's four-year Tottenham spell is approaching its end, with a return to familiar surroundings at Everton offering the Brazilian an opportunity to reset his career.