Richarlison posts cryptic 'villain' message as Spurs star nears return to Everton after telling Roberto De Zerbi he wanted to LEAVE

Richarlison has posted a cryptic message as he closes on in a return to Everton from Tottenham.

The forward is in line for a £35million reunion with the Toffees in a deal which will see Iliman Ndiaye go the other way for £60m.

He was left out of Roberto De Zerbi's squad for Spurs' 2-0 home defeat by Newcastle on Saturday.

The Brazilian, 29, previously spent four seasons with Everton between 2018 and 2022 before joining the London club in a £60m deal.

But now he appears to be leaving on obscure terms after publishing an enigmatic post on Instagram.

He shared a photograph of a wall with red and black text on it reading, in translation: 'I am the villain of many poorly told stories.'

RIcharlison posted this photograph on Instagram ahead of his move to Everton. The text reads: 'I am the villain of many poorly told stories'

The forward is in line for a £35million return to the Toffees after four seasons with Tottenham

Richarlison added an emoji of a thinking face, just to add to the clouds of confusion.

One of the people who has liked the post is Spurs team-mate Xavi Simons.

Roberto De Zerbi revealed following Tottenham's loss to Newcastle that Richarlison was one of three players to have asked to leave the club.

'Richarlison he said too many times that he wanted to leave,' De Zerbi said of the star, who has one year remaining on his contract.

'[Kevin] Danso came to me two days ago and said he wanted to leave. [Pape Matar] Sarr the same but he also suffered a small injury but he is almost ready to train.'

Richarlison has scored 32 goals in 134 matches for Tottenham since signing from Everton in a £60m deal.

He started in their 1-0 Europa League final victory over Manchester United in 2025.

The Brazilian previously scored 53 goals in 152 games for Everton.