Roberto De Zerbi questions why Spurs don't sell player who wants to leave - 'It's not right'

Roberto De Zerbi has publicly questioned Tottenham’s decision to keep Richarlison after the Brazilian made it clear he wanted to leave the club before Tuesday's Premier League deadline.

In his press conference ahead of Tottenham's clash against Nottingham Forest, a visibly frustrated De Zerbi was asked about the situation involving Richarlison.

After being told he is not part of the club's plans, the 29-year-old forward has been left out of the club's latest Premier League squad but remains a Spurs player, despite interest from elsewhere.

It is being widely reported that the player has agreed to join Trabzonspor but with the Turkish window closing on Friday, time is running out for the player to find a new club after a return to Everton fell through.

Speaking to reporters about the situation, De Zerbi made some interesting comments on the debacle.

“I think Richarlison, he decided everything alone. He spoke with me at the beginning of the pre-season and told me his idea and desire was to leave," De Zerbi began.

“At the end we go to bring another striker and like I said at the beginning of the pre-season, I want to keep the players, just the players that want to stay and be proud and with the right passion to stay here.

“Then for everything and other problems, it is not my business and not my job. It is the responsibility of the club."

De Zerbi spoke about Richarlison's situation in his latest press conference. Image credit: Sky Sports

“I can’t say nothing because I didn’t decide anything," De Zerbi continued. "The message of Richarlison from the beginning of the season has been very clear. I accepted that and for me (there is) nothing (to say).

“If you don’t want to stay here, I don’t want to keep (talking) in the press conference. Go out, you have the freedom to go out. If you don’t want to stay, why (do) we have to keep you on the list? Why (do) you have to stay?

“I’m not Vinai (Venkatesham), I’m not the sporting director, I am the coach and I would like to work with the people hungry if they don’t play but happy to stay in this club.”

He added: "It's not right when the player wants to leave, and the club doesn't want to sell."

Richarlison shared cryptic post on Instagram before Tuesday's deadline

As reports emerged claiming he was close to rejoining Everton in a deal worth £35 million, Richarlison posted two statements on his Instagram account.

One of them read: "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 read: "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."