'I've always made it clear...' - Richarlison issues public statement over Spurs and Everton transfer claims

Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison has issued a lengthy statement amid speculation over a potential deadline day move to Everton.

The Athletic's David Ornstein reported on Sunday that a deal had been agreed in principle for the Brazil international striker to return to Everton from Spurs after leaving the club to go in the opposite direction four years ago.

It later emerged that a package worth £35 million had been agreed, with Everton's Iliman Ndiaye to join Spurs in a separate deal worth £60 million.

But Richarlison posted a cryptic message to his Instagram account shortly after those initial reports, featuring a photo of a Portuguese-language mural which read in English: "I am the villain of many poorly told stories."

Fabrizio Romano claimed on Monday afternoon that the 28-year-old hadn't yet agreed personal terms with Everton which, despite reports to the contrary, was directly holding up Ndiaye's move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Senegal international is now expected to join Manchester City on deadline day.

Now, Richarlison has posted two statements, both written in Portuguese, via social media.

'I've always made it clear...' - Richarlison on Spurs and Everton reports

In a message posted to his Instagram account, he wrote: "After everything I've been through in the last few years, I decided that NEVER AGAIN would anyone decide my future for me.

"I went through a lot of bad things during that time, and almost all of them happened because of decisions made by other people. Pressure, threats, retaliation - none of that scares me. I've been through worse things... believe me!

"I've always made it clear, at every opportunity, that any move of mine to another place would also have to be good for the club. If it wasn't, I would never accept it... just like I didn't accept it when everything here was falling apart and they needed me. I stayed and gave my life.

"So, I hope they treat my situation with the same respect that I've always had for the Spurs and for all the people who worked with me during this period.

"Just don't try to decide for me."

A second statement followed, which reads: "If Spurs and Everton reach an agreement, I'll return to the club that's close to my heart.

"My intention was to go back to the place where I was so happy. But the negotiations were being driven by what others wanted, and that's not how it's going to be anymore.

"Despite all the turmoil, I am under contract with Spurs, and I will make myself available to the club."