Richarlison has urged anyone suffering from mental health issues to “have the courage to find help” after refinding his fitness and form at Tottenham.
The £60million Brazil striker suffered criticism from his football-mad nation during the last World Cup. And he was reduced to tears following the win over Bolivia last September when he said he would "seek psychological help".
After counselling and groin surgery in November, Richarlison then went on a run of nine goals in eight Premier League games to push Ange Postecoglu ’s side up the table. And before leading the attack of the five-time World Cup winners at Wembley on Saturday, the former Watford and Everton star said he wanted his struggles and recovery to be “an example” for not just footballers.
“It is really important in the life of an athlete to have the support of a psychologist,” said Richarlison. “All players should have that support. That’s really helped. Before, when I played, the problems were always the things happening on the outside of the game. Now, when I play I am totally focused mentally on my football.
“Is it a problem in football that players are afraid to come forward to seek help? That problem happens not only in football but in life. People should have courage to find that help because it can change a lot to make a better life.
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“I am an example because I have access to the media, so I can send a message to everybody because that’s really important.”
Speaking to ESPN Brazil in January, Richarlison revealed: “I managed, with the help of the club, to get this help. This was very important for me because there were days when I didn’t want to leave the house, leave my room. [I’d] go to train, go straight home and lock myself inside my room. So, that was difficult for me. Talking more with people, I think that it has improved.”
At a Brazil press conference at the team’s Hertfordshire hotel, the likeable Richarlison was too shy to speak in English and spoke to the British press through an interpreter. But he opened up in Portuguese to the Brazilian media about how he appreciated the support of former coach Tite at the World Cup and how he now restricts access to his social media networks.
Richarlison has been in fine form for Tottenham this season (Simon Stacpoole/Getty Images)“Today those who comment on my photos are only those who are close to me. Because there was a lot of persecution and this ended up affecting me because I’m also a human being. I see things, I see how people look at me.”
Richarlison will come up against Tottenham team-mates old and new at Wembley on Saturday night. “On the pitch, friends become rivals,” he smiled. “I was speaking to Douglas Luiz about a tackle against Aston Villa. It is not problem during the game. After the game, we are friends again.
“ James Maddison and I are good friends. He is an important creative player for Tottenham. He plays a little bit like a Brazilian. He has all the skills and he sees the passes.
“I played with Harry Kane at Tottenham and know very well his ability. I will advise my teammates to pay great attention to him. He is England’s captain and the most important player. England’s team is strong. They have what it takes to reach the final and win the Euros. That’s what I’m hoping for.”
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