Tottenham star Richarlison credits psychologist for 'saving my life' after falling into depression after World Cup
Tottenham star Richarlison bravely opened up about his mental health struggles after revealing his battle with depression.
He brazilian striker He admitted that he sought psychological help after the 2022 World Cup after dark thoughts made him want to give up.
Richarlison scored three goals as Brazil's starting striker in Qatar – with his scissor kick against Serbia being named as the goal of the tournament.
The 26-year-old has since revealed he was suffering from depression after “everything fell apart” following the Selecao's quarter-final exit.
During an emotional interview with ESPN BrazilRicharlison stated that he had told his father that he wanted to “give up” amid his battle with his mental health issues.
“I had just played in a World Cup, in my prime,” Richarlison said. “I was reaching my limit, you know?
“I don't know, I'm not going to talk about committing suicide, but I was in a depression and I wanted to give up.
“Even me, who seemed mentally strong. After the World Cup it seemed like everything fell apart.
“I think the therapist, whether we like it or not, saved me, saved my life. I just thought garbage… Even on Google, I just searched for garbage, I just wanted to see garbage about death.”
Richarlison struggled to join Tottenham for £60m Everton in July 2022.
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He managed just one Premier League goal during the 2022/23 campaign and looked lacking in form, confidence and fitness.
In September, Richarlison, who has ten goals in the top flight this season, publicly announced plans to see a psychologist after “a turbulent time” off the pitch.
Received support from fans after he was seen crying on the bench after being replaced during Brazil's 5-1 victory over Bolivia.
tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou lashed out at Richarlison's critics later that month, with the player himself now in a better mental space.
And he added: “Today I can say, look for a psychologist, if you need a psychologist, look for one because it is nice that you open up like that, that you are talking to the person.
“Today (a psychologist) came to thank me for bringing this to the world of football, to the world, off the field too, because it is very important and, whether we like it or not, it saves lives.
“I had this prejudice before, I thought it was nonsense, I thought I was crazy.
“In my family there are people who think that anyone who goes to a psychologist thinks they are crazy, they think they are insane.
“But I discovered this and I thought it was wonderful. The best, really the best discovery I've ever had in my life.”
Following the interview, his former club Everton said: “Following his incredibly moving interview, we express our strongest support for our former striker @richarlison97 and reinforce his important message about the need to look after your mental health and seek help.
“All Evertonians are with you, Richy.”
