Everton boss Frank Lampard responds to Richarlison after Tottenham forward claimed former club lacks ‘ambition’ following £60million transfer

10/15/2022 10:53 AM

Frank Lampard’s love for Richarlison has seen the Everton manager give his former star a pass after comments about the Toffees’ apparent ‘lack of ambition’. The Tottenham man recently commented on his old club following his £60million transfer to north London. Richarlison has two goals and three assists in 12 appearances for TottenhamGetty Lampard could come up against his former talisman Richarlison when Everton face TottenhamAFP Richarlison departed Goodison Park to play Champions League football, and enjoyed an emotional moment when he scored his first goal in the competition earlier this season for Spurs. He is set to face his former club when Everton travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – which could soon be renamed with a deal with Google in the works – on Saturday evening in the Premier League. And in a recent interview with FourFourTwo, the 25-year-old admitted it was Everton’s perceived lack of ambition that led to his exit in the summer. But that’s something Lampard has strongly denied. Richarlison said: “It’s always a tough call when you have such strong connections with your club, and that was definitely the case for me. “I was happy at Everton and I’m grateful for everything I learned there. It’s a big club with a lot of history. Richarlison was a fan favourite at Goodison Park, having scored 53 goals in 152 games for Evertongetty Most read in Football latest Man United player Greenwood arrested on suspicion of breaching bail conditions gameday Leicester v Palace LIVE: ‘Very motivated’ Rodgers faces must win as pressure builds done Foden signs new Man City deal until 2027 tripling his wages to more than £200k-a-week rise Conte praises Gil and Spence as he hints right-back could be in contention at Everton SAD Trossard 'devastated' in emotional interview after Brighton teammate's early retirement COMMIT Arsenal transfer blow as top target signs long-term contract to snub Arteta reunion “However, perhaps they’re suffering with a lack of ambition nowadays. You know, that eagerness to win matches and trophies. I spent four years there and I could see there was still a very long way to go to achieve big things. “I felt it was the right time to move on, and the club also had to make some money. It was a good deal for everyone involved. I’m delighted with this new challenge at Spurs.” Lampard clearly still has a lot of affection for his ex-star man, who left Goodison Park on great terms after years of loyal service and playing a key role in their Premier League survival last season. But the manager rejected his claims that Everton lack ambition, insisting he is ‘building something’ at the Merseyside club. “I love Richy,” said Lampard ahead of Saturday’s game. “Every club is relative, this club has spent a lot of money over the last five, six, seven years, so ambition can be measured in different ways.  Lampard still has a lot of respect for Richarlison and refused to criticise the forward for his recent comments about Evertongetty “The history of this club, the First Division titles we have won, the FA Cups we have won, all those things come into the conversation. “If you’re talking about the here and now, I’m certainly ambitious. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t. I’m trying to build something.  “It’s clear to see Tottenham are in the Champions League and we’re not. In simple terms, that’s it.  “I think that was probably his point and when you get asked, those things can be translated in different ways. “I think it’s a non-important question and answer, it’s done. We all wish Richy well. It’s a nice situation for a player to leave with a good feeling.  “He left with dignity, he left with his head held high with his team-mates, myself, the fans, the club. He gave everything for this club. “The fans respected the work ethic and quality he brought here, his team-mates respected that. He moves on and we certainly move on.” OFFER OF THE DAY BetVictor: Get 50/1 Erling Haaland to score anytime v Liverpool* – CLAIM HERE 18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet max £1 on Erling Haaland – Anytime Goalscorer; No cash out. Enhanced odds paid in Free Bets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Offer valid from 10:00 UK time 10.10.22 until 16:30 UK time 16.10.22. Card payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please Gamble Responsibly