Richarlison, 28, the Tottenham striker, has shared a revelation with Paris Saint-Germain that sounds like a real missed opportunity. In an interview with France Football, the Brazilian international explained that he was approached several times by the Parisian club, with the clear intention of joining Neymar in Paris.
Richarlison: “Every time Mbappé was about to leave, they contacted me.”
“I had contact with PSG several times. Every time Mbappé was about to leave, they (the management) contacted me. Once, my agent even went to talk to them in their offices in Paris. I wanted to go; we talked about it together with Neymar during the Seleção gatherings. It didn’t work out, unfortunately, which is a shame. It would have been incredible to play in Paris with him and the other Brazilians.”
Richarlison: “I love Neymar with all my heart.”
“I have Neymar’s face tattooed on my back. I also have Ronaldo and Pelé’s signature. I love Neymar with all my heart. One day, Pelé told me that I had made Brazil smile. Coming from the King, it was magical. I had that phrase tattooed on my back, along with his dedication.”
What Richarlison reveals above all is not just his admiration for Neymar, but the existence of recurring interest from PSG during periods when Kylian Mbappé’s future became uncertain. His name came up as part of a clearly defined market strategy, and not simply as a rumor tossed around on a transfer window night.
His agent’s visit to the Parisian offices lends weight to this version and confirms that there were, at the very least, concrete discussions. The Brazilian’s departure also sheds light on another dimension: Paris represented for him more than a sporting opportunity, almost a personal projection fueled by his closeness to Neymar and by the appeal of this strong Brazilian connection around the club.
