Tottenham star Richarlison credits psychologist for 'saving my life' after falling into depression following World Cup

Tottenham star Richarlison has bravely opened up on his mental health struggles after revealing his battle with depression.

The Brazilian forward admitted he sought psychological help following the 2022 World Cup after dark thoughts made him want to give up.

Richarlison suffered from depression following the World Cup
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Richarlison scored three goals as Brazil’s starting forward in Qatar – with his scissor kick against Serbia being named as the goal of the tournament.

The 26-year-old has since revealed he suffered from depression after ‘everything fell apart’ following the Selecao’s quarter-finals exit.

During a tearful interview with ESPN Brasil, Richarlison declared he had told his dad he wanted to ‘give up’ amid his battle with mental health issues.

“I’d just played in a World Cup, man, at my peak,” Richarlison said. “I was reaching my limit, you know?

“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.

“I think the therapist, like it or not, saved me, saved my life. I only thought rubbish … Even on Google, I only searched for rubbish, I only wanted to see rubbish about death.”

Richarlison struggled upon joining Tottenham for £60million from Everton in July 2022.

Richarlison opened up on his dark thoughts after Brazil’s exit
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Richarlison’s ten Premier League goals is just three shy of his season’s best in England
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He managed just one Premier League goal during the 2022/23 campaign and looked short of form, confidence and fitness.

In September, Richarlison, who has ten top-flight goals this term, publicly announced plans to see a psychologist following ‘a turbulent time’ off the pitch.

He was issued with support from fans after he was seen crying on the bench after being substituted during Brazil’s 5-1 win over Bolívia.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou hit out at Richarlison’s critics later that month, with the player himself now in a better headspace.

He added: “Today I can say, look for a psychologist, if you need a psychologist, look for one because it’s nice for you to open up like that, for you to be talking to the person.

“Today a [psychologist] came to thank me for taking this to the world of football, to the world, outside the pitch too, because it is very important and, whether we like it or not, it saves lives.

“I had this prejudice before, I thought it was nonsense, I thought I was crazy.

“In my family, there are people who think that anyone who goes to a psychologist thinks they are crazy, they think they are insane.

“But I discovered this and thought it was wonderful. The best thing, really the best discovery I’ve ever had in my life.”

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