Tottenham Hotspur's big-money signing Richarlison has revealed why he rejected London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea in favour of joining the Lilywhites.
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Having spent the past four years on Merseyside, Richarlison's time at Everton came to an end this past off-season, when a host of clubs were in for the Brazilian, including Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Ultimately, the Lilywhites were the victors in the race for the 25-year-old's signature when a £50 million (R989 million) bid was accepted by the Toffees to make him the second-most expensive Evertonian ever to leave Goodison Park.
With the biggest clubs from London to choose from, the Brazil international chose to join Antonio Conte's side, and while away with his national team, he explained why he decided the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be his next stomping ground.
"I know Chelsea made an offer, and I believe Arsenal also contacted Everton to ask about my situation, but Spurs came in and paid the fee, you know?" the Nova Venecia native said, as per Goal.
"It's as simple as that. Everton had to sell some players to avoid a Financial Fair Play problem, and the negotiations were very brief, to be honest.
"I was on holiday in Brazil when I heard that Tottenham had made Everton an offer. I was happy because they are a huge team.
"Then it was all about the clubs negotiating a deal, and fortunately, everything went well.
"Antonio Conte called me during the negotiations and expressed how much he'd like to have me on board – that was vital for my decision."
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Having been a certain starter at his previous two clubs in England, Richarlison will now have to compete with world-class talent for a starting berth in the Spurs frontline.
He has already found the back of the net twice and assisted twice in the eight games he has played under Conte, though, and will hope he can continue this form if he is to thrive in north London.
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