Tottenham forward Richarlison has shut down suggestions he played any part in Antonio Conte’s departure.
The Italian left Spurs on Sunday over a week after launching a scathing attack on the club following a 3-3 draw away at Southampton.
Even prior to Conte’s outburst on the south coast, the Italian and Richarlison had publicly criticised each other, with the forward venting his frustration at not being selected to play against AC Milan in the Champions League.
Richarlison described his season as “s**t”, a view Conte said he agreed with.
Following the manager’s exit, reports in the Argentinian press suggested Richarlison and teammate Cristian Romero had given Spurs an ultimatum over Conte’s future.
Taking to Twitter, however, Richarlison hit out at such speculation.
"Questioning and criticising me as a player for my performance is part of football and I got it," he wrote.
"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.
Questioning and criticizing me as a player for my performance is part of football and I got it. However, telling lies about me, I don't accept! I’ve always had a lot of respect for Conte and for all my coaches. pic.twitter.com/uWZmOa8MVx
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) March 30, 2023
"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!"
