Richarlison blasted reports that he was set to issue an ultimatum demanding Tottenham sack Antonio Conte before the Italian left his job on Sunday.
Conte was fired by Spurs eight days after he delivered a furious 10-minute rant about the situation at the Premier League club. There was to be no way back for him after that furious tirade, with Cristian Stellini leading the team for the rest of the season.
Conte and Richarlison had a number of run-ins across the season, with the Brazilian having struggled for form since arriving from Everton. He was forced off injured early into the draw with Southampton, which led to Conte launching into his furious rant.
It has since been claimed that Richarlison was ready to deliver an ultimatum demanding Conte be sacked before his ultimate departure. It was claimed that Conte's relationship with the squad was 'very bad'.
Richarlison was even said to 'rethinking his future' at Spurs amid that breakdown in relations. He was set to give an ultimatium to Tottenham's hierarchy, demanding Conte be let go.
But the Brazilian has furiously denied those reports, hitting out at a South American broadcaster. He insisted that he had no problems with Conte and their relationship remained good up until the Italian's exit.
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"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," Richarlison said in a statement on social media.
"He helped me a lot in my 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. 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!"
Richarlison and Conte infamously clashed after Tottenham's defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League. The Brazilian publicly revealed his frustrations at his lack of game-time and branded his season "s***", with Conte hitting back.
“I watched the interview of Richarlison, he didn’t criticise me. He said my season is s*** and he’s right. His season is not good because he had a lot of injuries. He started well with us," he said in response.
"[But] he has an injury in the Champions League, then he went to the World Cup and then he had another injury, serious. He came back, stayed one month out, and then another injury.
“He’s scored zero goals with us, only two goals in [the] Champions League. I think the guy was really honest, to tell [us] that his season is not good.
“His season, our season, has still not finished. He has the time to recover and if he deserves to play I’ll give him the opportunity otherwise we play another player.”
