Tottenham’s Brazilian full-back Emerson Royal has praised teammate Richarlison, stating that he is a changed man.
Richarlison has been in remarkable form recently, bouncing back from a slow start to the season after undergoing groin surgery in November.
The Brazilian striker has been prolific, scoring 9 goals in his last 10 Premier League appearances, bringing his total to 10 league goals for the season.
Richarlison’s resurgence has silenced critics who doubted his ability to justify his £60m price tag, specially after scoring only one goal in his first 10 league matches this season.
His teammates, including Spurs’ right-back Emerson Royal, have praised his transformation, attributing it to his willingness to listen and embrace change.
Emerson, referring to Richarlison by his nickname ‘Pombo,’ highlighted his improved attitude and openness to external help, particularly through therapy sessions.
Emerson emphasised Richarlison’s growth and positive change, noting his newfound receptiveness to ideas and suggestions from others.
He said (quotes via TheSpursExpress):
“Now that I see him scoring every game, for me it’s a lot of happiness. Every day I say ‘Pombo, focus on the game, a ball will come to you, you’ll score, you’ll continue with the national team, you’ll be the best, you will, you will’. He’s a guy, since I’ve known him, he’s improved a lot in all aspects, especially in listening.
“He was very stubborn, very stubborn and he started to understand that his world is not just him and his room, his house, there is another world outside that can help him and make him more. Everyone who knows him, that I see through my friends saying ‘Pombo has changed a lot, Pombo today is a different guy, today Pombo shares more ideas, he’s not as closed off’ and I believe that this thing he did, this psychological counselling is what expanded his mind, and is making him grow for the future ahead of him.”
Richarlison himself has acknowledged the impact of therapy on his performance, stating that he feels more like his true self after undergoing counseling. He credits the support he received from the therapist for his enhanced form on the field.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that Richarlison maintains his current level of performance once he fully recovers from his knee injury, as his contributions have been vital for the team’s success.
