Richarlison has stirred major interest after sharing a cryptic message following reports of his imminent exit from Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazil forward is now set for a dramatic return to Everton, bringing to a close a difficult spell in north London under Roberto De Zerbi.

Richarlison has finally broken his silence over his Spurs departure.

The Tottenham attacker has left fans and pundits puzzled after posting a pointed message amid confirmed reports that he is preparing to leave the club. The 29-year-old, who joined Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2022, has found himself at the centre of transfer speculation as the summer deadline draws closer.

After falling out of the first-team picture under De Zerbi, the Brazilian now appears ready to take on a fresh challenge, even if that means accepting a controversial image among sections of the Spurs support.

Just 24 hours after Tottenham’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United, the striker uploaded a photograph of himself from a match last season along with a thinking emoji. But it was the next slide that drew the most attention. Richarlison posted a message saying: “I am the villain of many poorly told stories.”

In a surprising twist, one of the 40,000 people to like the post was Richarlison’s Tottenham team-mate, Xavi Simons.

De Zerbi has also confirmed the transfer-request drama.

The social media post came after a public admission from De Zerbi that harmony within the Spurs squad had been affected by several important players wanting to leave.

Speaking to reporters, the Italian manager was direct about the situation involving the Brazil international and other senior players who were left out of recent matchday squads.

Explaining why he omitted the forward from the squad for the trip to St James' Park, De Zerbi said: "Richarlison, I don’t know. He said too many times he wants to leave. Danso came to me two days ago and he said he wants to leave. Pape Sarr the same but he suffered a small injury, but he is almost ready to train. I love these players, and they are great guys. I have very good relationships."

A return to Everton is now looming in a swap deal involving Ndiaye.

Despite the tension, a solution now appears to have been found that works for all parties. An agreement has been struck for the 29-year-old to head back to Merseyside, where he previously enjoyed the most productive period of his career.

As part of the talks, Everton attacker Iliman Ndiaye is expected to move in the opposite direction to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Both deals are currently dependent on medicals being completed and personal terms being finalised, but there is strong optimism that the two transfers will go through without any late complications.

Richarlison leaves Spurs after an inconsistent spell.

He departs north London having recorded 32 goals and 15 assists in all competitions since his £60m move four years ago. During his time at the club, he helped Spurs win the Europa League trophy, but his spell is likely to be remembered for inconsistency and the recent collapse in his relationship with the hierarchy.