Richarlison: I won t fall into the trap of Brazil s No. 9 jersey again. A reporter once said he hoped I was injured.

September 5th, entering the new season, Tottenham forward Richarlison performed well, helping the team to temporarily rank fourth in the standings. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Richarlison talked about topics related to his career.

About my mentality

I feel good now, I am becoming more and more confident, and gradually regain my feelings from the past. I have been plagued by physical problems since the Olympics last summer, never had enough time to recover, and never compete without any pain. I was injured shortly after returning from vacation last year. When I rejoined the team, I clearly felt that my teammates were in good shape and I was far behind in physical fitness.

This year, I communicated with Thomas Frank as soon as I came back, and they made a plan for me that has been working. My only wish during this time is to be able to play without restrictions and help my clubs and national teams. Now, everything is back on track.

There were rumors about leaving the team? After returning from vacation, I had a very pleasant exchange with the head coach. I told him that he wanted to stay, to prove that he deserved the chance to play, and hoped to help the team this season. To me, it's an honor. Tottenham has invested a lot in me and has not given up on me even at my lowest point. Things are changing now, I am in good shape, and I hope to have a chance to repay the club and the fans. I know I can do more.

does have some offers, but I have been making it clear that my first choice is to stay, and Thomas Frank also said he needs me. So, I think this problem was solved in that conversation. Every player needs this kind of peace of mind, knowing that rumors from the outside are just speculation and you are supported within the club. Playing football with uncertainty is very difficult.

For me, every season is an important season in my life. Of course, the World Cup is an extra motivation, but I always give it my best whether it is for the club or the national team. I'm fully prepared to deal with the upcoming tough season and hope it's going well.

About Son Heung-min

Son Heung-min is one of the greatest idols in the history of the club and has also become my good friend. It was still strange to look at him but couldn't see him during the game. He is a fan and a legend within the club, not only because he is a great player, but also because he is a very good person.

No matter where Son Heung-min is, I will always support him. I'm glad we still have the opportunity to help him win a trophy because he really deserves to achieve great things here.

About winning the UEFA Cup

We did not perform well in the Premier League and domestic cups last season, but over the past few months, the UEFA Cup has become our main goal.

This is a very important achievement for me. Because I just recovered from a complex period full of injuries and uncertainty, so for Tottenham. We haven't won the championship in years and this time we can finally bring this gift to the fans.

Regarding the prospect of participating in the World Cup

I have fallen into the trap of No. 9 jersey and will not be fooled again this time (laughs). I encountered a lot of hatred, and to this day they still use this sentence to attack me. When asked if I was the "master" of the No. 9 jersey, I just scored 10 goals in 10 consecutive games with the national team, and the World Cup was also good, and many people thought it was arrogant. What do they want me to say? I don't deserve to wear this jersey? I don't want it? The national team is my life and nothing is easy for me. Quite the opposite!

In addition to facing fierce competition in positions, this is probably one of the most intense competitions in the team, and I always have to pay more than others. Even before the World Cup, when I was doing well and scored goals in every game, the media always tried to push other players to take my place. Once, a reporter said he wanted me to be injured so that I could quit the team. In the last World Cup cycle, I scored 20 goals, as well as countless assists and penalties, even though I wasn't a starter at the beginning.

Thank God, I have learned how to deal with this. I know stress is also part of the work. In recent months, I have stayed away from social media and stopped paying attention to the news and started focusing more on what really matters to me and my family. My son was born in June, too. So now my focus is different, which helps me a lot.

About Ancelotti

Ancelotti coached me at the best moment of my career, and that was in Everton. He knew what I could bring to the team, and it was great to be able to work with him again on the national team. He is a very interesting person who likes to chat and joke, but he is very serious on the court and is one of the best coaches in history. We talked a lot last time, and he said he trusted me and gave me a lot of confidence. I think I can contribute more to the national team and I will do everything I can to live up to his trust in me and his recognition of my football.