Richarlison was “selfish” and “made a mistake” in an interview following Tottenham’s Champions League exit, says manager Antonio Conte.
The 25-year-old forward appeared to criticise Conte over his lack of playing time this season in an interview with Brazilian TV after Wednesday’s last-16 defeat by AC Milan.
But while Conte believes Richarlison did not criticise him, he agrees that his season “has not been good”.
“He is right”, said the Italian.
“He started well with us, he then had an injury and went to the World Cup and had another serious injury.
“He’s scored zero goals with us [in the Premier League], only two goals in the Champions League and the guy was really honest to say his season was not good.
“His season has not finished yet. If he deserves to play I’ll give him the opportunity.”
Brazil international Richarlison joined Spurs from Everton in a £60m deal last summer but has since started just seven games in the Premier League.
His playing time in the Premier League this season totals 661 minutes, with his only goals for the club coming against Marseille in the Champions League in September.
He believed he should have started in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw – which saw Milan progress on aggregate – instead of coming on as a 70th-minute substitute. (BBC)