Former Everton forward Richarlison has cited the club's lack of "ambition" as his reason behind wanting to leave Goodison Park this summer.
The Brazilian, who joined the Blues in 2018 from Watford, departed Merseyside in a deal worth up to £60m earlier this summer as he joined up with Antonio Conte's Tottenham.
Since making the switch to the capital, Richarlison has become a fans' favourite at White Hart Lane and recently fired his first two goals for the club during the Champions League victory over Marseille, as Spurs ran out 2-0 winners.
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But despite becoming an undisputed Goodison Park hero, for his actions on and off the pitch, the Brazilian has been speaking to FourFourTwo about the reasons behind his departure this summer.
"It’s always a tough call when you have such strong connections with your club and that was definitely the case for me," said Richarlison. "I was happy at Everton and I’m grateful for everything I learned there. It’s a big club with a lot of history.
"However, perhaps they’re suffering with a lack of ambition nowadays. You know, that eagerness to win matches and trophies.
"I spent four years there and I could see there was still a very long way to go to achieve big things. I felt it was the right time to move on, and the club also had to make some money. It was a good deal for everyone involved. I’m delighted with this new challenge at Spurs."
Following the exit of the much-loved Brazilian this summer, Everton have struggled to return his goals during the opening weeks of this season as they have had to wait patiently for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to return to full fitness.
So far this term, Anthony Gordon has been tasked with leading the Blues' attack and has delivered to an extent, having scored against Leeds United and Brentford in recent weeks. However, it's a lack of goals that has seemingly undone the Blues' hard work in defence and midfield this season as they sit 18th in the table ahead of Sunday's game with West Ham United.
Everton could face Richarlison for the first team since his departure on October 15 when the Blues meet Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
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