Richarlison says a phone call from Antonio Conte helped him make a choice between the different London sides.
Brazil forward was desperate to move on from Everton at the end of last season. Goal Brasil reported in May that the 25-year-old wanted to swap a club struggling for a team who could fight for trophies.
Richarlison has since accused the Goodison Park club of “suffering with a lack of ambition”.
The striker’s wish of a transfer was granted when Tottenham made an official bid to land the former Watford man. And on July 1 Richarlison completed a £50m move to Spurs to link up with the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
But there was this interest from rivals like Chelsea and north London neighbors Arsenal. In fact, Chelsea’s interest was so concrete that Todd Boehly at Stamford Bridge lodged a serious offer for the player, but Richarlison jumped at the move to Spurs.
Since signing for Spurs, Richarlison has featured in 8 games in total and scored 2 and assisted on another 2. He has gelled up well with the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung Min.
Richarlison is currently on International duty with Brazil National Team,
In an interview with Goal, Richarlison said
“I know Chelsea made an offer, and I believe Arsenal also contacted Everton to ask about my situation, but Spurs came in and paid the fee, you know?
“It’s as simple as that. Everton had to sell some players to avoid a Financial Fair Play problem, and the negotiations were very brief, to be honest.”
“I was on holiday in Brazil when I heard that Tottenham had made Everton an offer. I was happy because they are a huge team.
“Then it was all about the clubs negotiating a deal, and fortunately, everything went well. Antonio Conte called me during the negotiations and expressed how much he’d like to have me on board—that was vital for my decision.
