Five years ago, Watford announced the purchase of a little-known 20-year-old forward for £11.2 million from Fluminense. It seemed a lot of money for a side who’d just finished 17th in the top flight. Many said it was a gamble. It proved to be a bargain.
“I feel I was made for the Premier League, you know?” Richarlison tells FFT with a smile. Within 11 months his value had rocketed, as his former Hornets boss, Marco Silva, brought him to Everton in a move worth up to £50m.
His first five seasons in the Premier League delivered 48 goals. Only two Brazilians had plundered more: Gabriel Jesus, on 58 at the end of last term, and Roberto Firmino on 71.
This summer, Richarlison made his latest step up, joining Tottenham in a £60m deal. He’s now a key player in the Brazilian national team as well, and there were plenty of willing suitors when his stint on Merseyside came to a natural end, but an overseas transfer was never on his agenda. “I told my agent, ‘I only want to hear offers from Premier League’,” insists Richarlison. “It was clear in my mind – I didn’t want to leave this league.”
He is chasing history, after all…
How do you reflect on your Premier League journey so far?
I couldn’t feel more comfortable here. It’s funny, looking back to when I first signed for Watford: some people said I wouldn’t adapt in this division. I heard that I wouldn’t stay long in England, but I was confident I’d prove people wrong. I scored
