Scandal! De Zerbi kicked a Tottenham player out of the team
Roberto De Zerbi has drawn a line under Richarlison's Tottenham future.
Details: The Tottenham head coach has explained the situation surrounding Richarlison after the Brazilian was omitted from the club's squad for the 2026/27 Premier League season. According to De Zerbi, the decisive conversation with the striker took place at the very beginning of pre-season.
“At the beginning of pre-season I spoke to Richarlison and asked him if he wanted to extend his contract because I was happy to keep him with us… and Richarlison said NO. So I'm sorry for him but we have to go to another page,” De Zerbi said.
The Italian coach therefore made it clear that he had initially been ready to continue working with the Brazilian. However, Richarlison's refusal to extend his deal changed the situation, with De Zerbi now considering the matter closed and Tottenham moving forward without the striker in their Premier League plans.
The decision has already had direct sporting consequences. Tottenham submitted their official 25-man Premier League squad without Richarlison, meaning the Brazilian is not registered to play in league matches.
De Zerbi's words also underline that the decision was not initially caused by dissatisfaction with the player's performances. On the contrary, the coach publicly stated that he was happy to keep Richarlison before the forward rejected the proposed extension.
It is worth noting that Richarlison is still listed as Tottenham's No.9 on the club's official first-team page, despite being absent from the squad submitted for the Premier League campaign.
Reminder: Exit inevitable? Tottenham star Richarlison left out of Premier League matchday squad
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
