Tottenham star reacts angrily to ‘lies’ over Conte exit; denies he was ‘mutiny leader’ in dressing room

News Desk
Tottenham star on Conte

Tottenham Hotspur attacker Richarlison has insisted that he was not the “mutiny leader” behind the departure of former manager Antonio Conte.

Conte exited Spurs on Sunday by mutual consent a week after his incredible rant in which he criticised his own “selfish players” following a 3-3 draw at Southampton.

Richarlison, who was injured during the dramatic game at St Mary’s, was subsequently accused by journalist Gaston Edul from Argentinian broadcaster TyC Sports of giving an ultimatum to Spurs alongside team-mate Cristian Romero over Conte’s future.

Edul said: “Conte’s relationship with the squad was very bad, it’s needless to say, it’s something that we could see in his words.

“Some players had given an ultimatum in case he continued. Now the outlook of Tottenham changed.

“Yes (Romero was one of them), I say that because we can say it, in fact, we waited to say it.

“Cristian Romero was rethinking about his stay at the club if Conte remained.

“As I understand it, the same thing happened with Richarlison. Because he treated them very badly, not only face to face or in a private environment but also publicly.

“Conte publicly criticised the players and that caused friction. But now Romero is going to stay at Tottenham, that’s the plan.”

The Brazil international rejected these allegations on Thursday.

“Questioning and criticising me as a player for my performance is part of football and I got it,” Richarlison said on Twitter.

“However, telling lies about me, I don’t accept! I’ve always had a lot of respect for Conte and for all my coaches.

“He helped me a lot in my (sic) coming to the Spurs and, whenever we had a problem (even if it was public) we solved it based on conversation and professionalism — and this he can confirm.

“I wasn’t a mutiny leader against him, it was quite the opposite. I’m sorry I didn’t deliver as much as he expected of me and I didn’t do enough for him to stay.

“When he left, I sent him a message thanking him for everything and wishing him the best cause that’s what he deserves!

“On the other hand, the journalist responsible for this awful lie did not even do the least which would be talking to my PR or listening to me. Bad professional and bad character! And shame on you, TyC Sports!”

Richarlison is set to miss Tottenham’s first match since the departure of Conte, what would have been his return to Everton on Monday, with a minor muscle injury.

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