Richarlison blames Tottenham issue over failed Vasco da Gama transfer

Richarlison’s proposed move to Vasco da Gama collapsed on Friday (PA Wire)

Tottenham forward Richarlison believes he will still join Vasco da Gama despite his move to the Brazilian club collapsing on Friday night.

The 29-year-old had made it clear to Roberto De Zerbi in the summer that he wanted to leave Spurs but transfers to Everton, Turkish side Trabzonspor and the Saudi Pro League have failed to materialise.

Richarlison was then set to join his boyhood club Vasco da Gama on the final day of the Brazilian transfer window on Friday, however, an agreement could not be reached and the player now faces limited playing time as he has been left out of Spurs’ Premier League squad list.

Richarlison has also explored the possibility of terminating his contract with Spurs, which would allow him to move to Vasco da Gama as a free agent. However, Spurs are not considering that as a realistic option.

Speaking in a video on Instagram, Richarlison claimed that the reason behind his failure to join Vasco da Gama is because Spurs have already used all six of their permitted international loans.

‘Hey there, Vasco fans. This week has been pretty hectic. I decided to take some time to thank the Vasco fans, Pedrinho, Felipe,’ Richarlison said.

Richarlison has been left out of Spurs’ Premier League squad (Getty)

‘We were very close to me signing with Vasco. My team, the team of my whole family. It was a close call.

‘I had made it very clear to Pedrinho and Felipe from the beginning of the conversation that I wanted to play for Vasco until December. When other clubs and other offers came up, I made it clear that they were my priority.

‘This time, it was a close call. Unfortunately, Tottenham reached the loan limit, and that’s why the deal didn’t go through.

‘But that’s it. I wanted to thank you, the Vasco fans, who sent many kind messages. Asking what time and day I would be at the airport so they could come and have a party and pick me up. But let’s leave that for another time. I believe I’ll be at Sao Januario, in Barreira, soon.

‘You know how much I care about you all, and one day I will realise this dream, which is mine, my grandfather’s, and my family’s. I’m speaking from the heart because I really want to be at Vasco. That’s it. Thank you all very much. Soon we will be wearing the Vasco shirt. There’s even one over there, there are many over there.’

Speaking on Friday, De Zerbi indicated that Richarlison’s actions behind the scenes are the reason why he can no longer play a Premier League game for Spurs.