'I wanted to give up' - Tottenham's Richarlison lifts lid on depression battle after World Cup

Tottenham star Richarlison has spoken out on his mental health struggles following Brazil's exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 26-year-old was his nation's top goalscorer in the tournament with three goals in four games. But Brazil were later knocked out by Croatia in the quarter-finals stage.

In an emotional interview with ESPN Brazil, Richarlison detailed how he told his dad he wanted to 'give up' as he struggled to come to terms with the situation. He described the feeling as «worse than losing a family member.»

«Before I went to training, I wanted to go home, I wanted to go back to my room because, I don't know what was going through my head,» Richarlison told ESPN Brasil. «I even went and told my dad I was going to give up. It's kind of sad to talk like that, you know?

»What I went through after the World Cup, discovering things here at home from people who had lived with me for over seven years… It is crazy. To go to my father, who was the guy who chased my dream with me, and say, 'Dad, I want to give up,' is crazy."

Richarlison spoke about the pressure of being Brazil's No 9. «I'd just played in a World Cup, man, at my peak. I was reaching my limit, you know?» he added.

«I don't know, I'm not going to talk about killing myself, but I was in a depression there, and I wanted to give up. Even I, who seemed to be mentally strong. After the World Cup it seemed like it all fell apart.»

Harry Kane set for Tottenham return after Bayern Munich confirmation

PFA set to intervene over Tottenham vs Newcastle friendly match in Australia

The forward says seeking help saved his life as he continued to have dark thoughts. «I think the therapist, like it or not, saved me, saved my life,» the striker revealed.

«I only thought