Tottenham’s Richarlison has made a harrowing admission of what he went through after Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup four years ago.
The 2022 World Cup came at a time when the striker was at the peak of his powers, just a few months on from his £60m move from Everton to Tottenham.
Richarlison, who led the line for Brazil, had a strong tournament, scoring three goals, including the goal of the tournament: his overhead kick against Serbia.
However, the tournament ended disappointingly for the Selecao, who were knocked out at the quarterfinal stage by Croatia on penalties.
Tottenham star Richarlison opens up on his struggle with depression
Richarlison has spoken about his mental health struggles in the past, but the forward has now made a harrowing admission.
The striker revealed the World Cup exit and the other events in his personal life pushed him into a major depression.
The Tottenham man told France Football (as relayed by Football.London): “One day, while driving, I thought about crashing into a wall. Today, when I think about it, I tell myself it’s pointless.
“After the 2022 World Cup, I fell into a depression. Every possible misfortune befell me: the elimination, my agent’s betrayal, family problems, physical setbacks… For a year and a half, I suffered blow after blow every single day.
“It was the first time I had to deal with so many problems. In all that chaos, I met an honest lawyer who put my affairs and assets in order. I worked with a psychologist and, most importantly, I met my wife.”
Richarlison will want to banish those memories at upcoming World Cup
The Tottenham man’s injury issues also compounded his problems back then, with the striker finishing his first season at the North London club with just one league goal.
However, four years on, Richarlison will go into this summer’s World Cup in North America with some confidence, with the 28-year-old being Tottenham’s top scorer this season with 10 goals and four assists.
The former Everton man will be keen to do his part to keep Spurs in the Premier League before taking on the challenge of taking the World Cup trophy back to Brazil after 24 years.