Richarlison Confesses that Psychological Help "Saved His Life"
Richarlison, striker for Tottenham Hotspur and the Brazilian national team, confessed that he hit "rock bottom" and that psychological help saved his life.
The Brazilian footballer admitted that he would seek professional help after cameras caught him crying on the bench during a substitution in a national team match in September.
"As a player, you have a voice that is heard, and I ask people to seek help. We know the prejudices that people have when you say you need psychological help, but thankfully, I no longer feel prejudiced about that," said Richarlison at Brazil's training camp in London.
"I speak about it because it has saved my life. I was at my lowest. Only footballers know the pressure we have to endure, not only on the field but also off it."
When Richarlison sought help in September, his performance with Tottenham was disappointing, having scored only four goals in forty games after the 'Spurs' paid £60 million (€68 million) for him.
After starting his treatment and overcoming a groin problem in November, Richarlison has scored nine goals for the 'Spurs' and has regained confidence with the 'Seleção', being called up for friendly matches against England (March 23) and Spain (March 26).
The striker has earned 48 caps and, if he plays both matches, will reach the milestone of fifty games for the national team.
"I am very happy to reach this number with the national team because not many players can boast of it. Now, I don't want to stop here; I want more. The next goal is 100 games. I hope to continue like this, to keep developing with this team, and to win more titles, which is the most important thing," said the 26-year-old player.
"I have told Dorival Júnior that the national team, for me, comes first. God in heaven and the national team on earth."