Richarlison: Tottenham and Brazil forward says therapy 'saved my life' and encourages others to talk

Tottenham forward Richarlison says having therapy "saved my life" as he encouraged others with mental health issues to do the same.

Richarlison, 26, said he was going to seek psychological help in September after he was pictured in tears having been substituted during Brazil's 5-1 World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia.

He had scored just four goals in 40 games for Tottenham after joining for £60m from Everton in 2022 and was then sidelined earlier this season after having groin surgery.

But since returning in December, Richarlison has scored nine goals in his last 13 appearances and has been recalled to the Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies against England and Spain.

"My words were very important, also for the people here in the national team," said Richarlison. "When I got there, the psychologist was already there. I don't think there's ever been that here before.

"So it was important. And also the affection I received from people because we know the prejudice that arises when people say they are looking for help. I myself had this prejudice, but thank God, I no longer have it.

"As a national team player who has such an active voice, I want to tell people to seek help and I can particularly say that, because it saved my life like that. I even talked to Joao [psychologist] there the day he came to the house, so he saved my life because I was already at rock bottom.

"So it's very important for the national team to have a psychologist who can only help the athletes. Players know the pressure we suffer not only on the field, but off the field. I myself suffered more off the field than on the field. So it is very important to have a psychologist close to us."

Asked about his emotional reaction to coming off against Bolivia,