Match ReportThe GuardianUnverified source· 1 Aug 2026
De Zerbi backs Richarlison to stay after winner
Richarlison's last-gasp strike sealed a 2-1 win over Chelsea, but his future remains uncertain.
Richarlison
player
Competition
Pre-season friendly
Score
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
Scorer
Richarlison (winner)
Venue
Sydney
What happened. Ten-man Tottenham beat Chelsea 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in Sydney, with Richarlison scoring a last-gasp winner.
- Kevin Danso was sent off minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute.
- De Zerbi called Richarlison a 'lovely guy' and said he is important.
- Richarlison has been linked with a move away and is unsure about his future.
“He's important, it's not easy to find another striker.”
— Roberto De Zerbi
De Zerbi wants Richarlison to stay, but the striker's uncertainty suggests a transfer could still happen.
In this story
Tottenham
R. De ZerbiMore to read
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Roberto De Zerbi gives cryptic response to Tottenham star’s transfer situation
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Roberto De Zerbi urges Richarlison to make a decision on his Tottenham future as Spurs boss insists he wants Brazilian to STAY: 'All of us love him'
BBC Sport
'Sometimes he wants to leave' - De Zerbi on Richarlison's Spurs future
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“I sent a message”: De Zerbi reveals message that convinced Tottenham’s new signing
