Richarlison denies allegations of spearheading Conte exit from Spurs

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By Martin Graham | 31st Mar 2023

Brazil and Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison has distanced himself from reports that he was behind the alleged mutiny among players that led to the exit of Antonio Conte.

The 25-year-old joined Spurs from Everton in the summer but has been unable to replicate the form which saw the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal contact the Toffees and his agents multiple times while he stomped the Goodison Park grounds.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup hero for Brazil is yet to get off the mark in the league for the North London club after 19 appearances thanks to concurring injuries. He has only scored two goals for the team since joining, both of which came in the UEFA Champions League, which they are no longer a part of.

While his injuries have prevented him from playing a key role for Spurs this season, he was also largely overlooked by Conte whenever he was fit as the Italian preferred other players over him. Following the Italian’s departure after his famous outburst, Richarlison was accused of being behind an alleged player mutiny that ended up costing the former Juventus manager his job at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

The claims were made by a journalist from Argentinian sports outfit TyC Sports, who also claimed that World Cup winner Cristian Romero was involved in the mutiny. Both South Americans were alleged by the said journalist to have given the club an ultimatum to get rid of Conte else they would leave the club, which hastened the decision of the club’s upper management.

Richarlison would deny those allegations on Twitter in a long statement on Thursday. His statement reads: “Questioning and criticising me as a player for my performance is part of football and I got it.

“However, telling lies about me, I don’t accept! I’ve always had a lot of respect for Conte and for all my coaches.

“He helped me a lot in my (sic) coming to the Spurs and, whenever we had a problem (even if it was public) we solved it based on conversation and professionalism – and this he can confirm.

“I wasn’t a mutiny leader against him, it was quite the opposite. I’m sorry I didn’t deliver as much as he expected of me and I didn’t do enough for him to stay.

“When he left, I sent him a message thanking him for everything and wishing him the best cause that’s what he deserves!

“On the other hand, the journalist responsible for this awful lie did not even do the least which would be talking to my PR or listening to me. Bad professional and bad character! And shame on you, TyC Sports!”