TOTTENHAM boss Roberto De Zerbi issued a scathing jibe towards exiled star Richarlison after axing him from his squad.
De Zerbi, 47, revealed last month the versatile forward had asked to leave Spurs in the summer and snubbed a contract extension, with his current deal running out next June.
Thus, the Italian tactician didn’t include the Brazil international in his 25-man Premier League squad – despite him registering 11 goals and four assists in 32 Prem appearances last season.
The ex-Brighton boss could have still used the 29-year-old in cup competitions but also decided against including him in the Carabao Cup.
Thus, the ex-Everton star won’t play any part in Tuesday’s third-round visit at Liverpool.
Nevertheless, Richarlison did start in the North Londoners’ season opener at Brentford last month, which led to a heavy 3-0 defeat.
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That was about two weeks before Premier League clubs handed in their squad lists for the first half of the 2026/27 campaign.
And during the pre-match press conference for the game at Anfield, the Tottenham boss issued quite a heavy put down reminding the reporters what happened last time the Brazilian played for his team.
Asked if there is now no way back for Richarlison and if his Spurs career is over, De Zerbi replied: “I don’t know. It’s not for me this question.
“Anyway, we lost in Brentford 3-0 with Richarlison. Maybe you forgot. Just to remember.”
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De Zerbi added that Richarlison will not play for his team, even if he’s fit.
The ex-Marseille manager said: “Richarlison will not play even if he’s available. Not even in the Carabao Cup, no.”
That led to a response from Richarlison on Twitter after transfer insider Fabrizio Romano quoted De Zerbi.
The ex-Watford star issued a cryptic post own the comments’ section with a simple crying emoji.
And hours after the presser, Richarlison posted on Instagram stories a screengrab of De Zerbi’s quote confirming his exclusion for the cup, coupled with his own comment of “Why?” and a sad emoji.
Tottenham attempted to sell Richarlison this past summer but moves to Everton, Trabzonspor and Vasco da Gama all fell through over personal terms.
Friday 18 September
Brentford
20:00
EPL
Chelsea
Saturday 19 September
Spurs
12:30
EPL
Villa
Brighton
15:00
EPL
Arsenal
Everton
15:00
EPL
Ipswich
Newcastle
15:00
EPL
Hull
Forest
17:30
EPL
Coventry
Monday 14 September
Leeds
4 – 1
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Newcastle
Sunday 13 September
Man Utd
0 – 1
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Man City
Coventry
0 – 5
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Brighton
Saturday 12 September
Sunderland
0 – 2
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Arsenal
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Friday 18 September
Brentford
20:00
EPL
Chelsea
Saturday 19 September
Spurs
12:30
EPL
Villa
Brighton
15:00
EPL
Arsenal
Everton
15:00
EPL
Ipswich
Newcastle
15:00
EPL
Hull
Forest
17:30
EPL
Coventry
Monday 14 September
Leeds
4 – 1
EPL
Newcastle
Sunday 13 September
Man Utd
0 – 1
EPL
Man City
Coventry
0 – 5
EPL
Brighton
Saturday 12 September
Sunderland
0 – 2
EPL
Arsenal
Spurs
0 – 0
EPL
Everton
English Premier League
Pld
Pts
GD
W
D
L
Form
1
4
12
7
4
0
0
2
4
12
6
4
0
0
3
4
8
4
2
2
0
4
4
8
3
2
2
0
5
4
7
8
2
1
1
6
4
7
1
2
1
1
7
4
6
3
1
3
0
8
4
6
2
1
3
0