Richarlison credits psychological help for rejuvenated form

Brazilian forward Richarlison has called on fellow professionals and people to speak to psychologists if need be, crediting the positive turn in his life and career to the psychological help he got when he had mental health issues.

The Tottenham forward was in a rough patch last year and was pictured crying after getting substituted in September during Brazil’s 5-1 World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia.

At that point, he had only four goals in 40 games for Spurs since his £60m move from Everton in the summer of 2022. He said his reaction was a result of relieving himself of off-the-pitch pressure.

Thereafter, he underwent surgery on an eight-month groin injury he had been suffering with before returning in December, when he rediscovered his form and earned a recall to the Brazil squad.

The 26-year-old has scored nine goals in his last 13 Spurs games and has been called up to the Brazilian national team for upcoming friendly games against England and Spain.

“As a player who has an active voice, I tell people to seek help. We know how prejudiced people are when they say they’re looking for [psychological] help. Thank god I’m not prejudiced about it any more. I talk about it because it saved my life. I was at rock bottom. Only players know how much pressure we’re under, not only on the pitch but also off it.” Richarlison said.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ederson (Manchester City), Bento (Athletico Paranaense), Rafael (São Paulo).

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Yan Couto (Girona), Ayrton Lucas (Flamengo), Wendell (Porto), Beraldo and Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Murilo (Palmeiras)

Midfielders: André (Fluminense), Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), João Gomes (Wolverhampton), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham), Pablo Maia (São Paulo).

Forwards: Endrick (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Girona) and Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid).

Daniel Ademiju Idowu