'Sometimes he wants to leave' - De Zerbi on Richarlison's uncertain Spurs future

Tottenham forward Richarlison's commitment to the club appears uncertain, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian coach revealed that the Brazil international, who recently scored a last-minute winner in a friendly against Chelsea, "sometimes" expresses a desire to depart.

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I don't know because I like him as a player and as a guy. He's unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour. But, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do.

De Zerbi stated, "I don't know because I like him as a player and as a guy. He's unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour. But, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do." When pressed on Richarlison's intentions, De Zerbi added, "I don't know. I didn't understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave. We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem. He's a lovely guy."

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I don't know. I didn't understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave. We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem. He's a lovely guy.

Richarlison, who is 29 and has entered the final year of his contract, was a key player for Spurs during a challenging season where the team battled relegation. He scored 12 goals, a tally De Zerbi attributes to skill rather than luck. "For me, he's still an important player because it's not easy to find another striker like Richarlison," the manager said. "Richarlison scores goals. He knows the way."

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For me, he's still an important player because it's not easy to find another striker like Richarlison. Richarlison scores goals. He knows the way.

The uncertainty surrounding Richarlison's future comes as Tottenham is reportedly pursuing other attacking targets, including Manchester City's Savinho and Liverpool's Cody Gakpo. The club has already had a record-breaking transfer window, spending £237 million, and is expected to continue its pursuit of new talent.

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He scored 12 goals last season, not because of luck but because he knows how to score.