The Brazilian forward reposted Ferguson’s remarks on his Instagram Stories on Saturday, adding the message: “Thanks Duncan Ferguson, you are right.”
Ferguson had questioned why Tottenham had excluded Richarlison from their first-team plans, suggesting that such a decision would normally require a serious breakdown in relations between a player and his manager.
“You don’t leave a player like that out unless there’s been a real murder: he’s chinned him or there’s been a proper scrap on the training ground,” Ferguson said, according to comments made on The Overlap.
Richarlison has been frozen out at Tottenham after expressing a desire to leave during the summer transfer window. A proposed move to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama fell through on deadline day, leaving him at Spurs despite his absence from their Premier League squad.
De Zerbi has also indicated that Richarlison will not be considered for the senior cup competitions, leaving the Under-21s as his only route to competitive football before the January transfer window.
The forward made a surprise appearance for Tottenham’s Under-21 side against Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy last week. He scored with a volley in a 2-2 draw before converting his penalty in the shootout, which Spurs lost 7-6.
His performance earned praise from Cheltenham manager Steve Cotterill, who described Richarlison’s attitude as “immaculate”. The Brazilian also stayed behind after the match to sign autographs and pose for photographs with supporters.
That response offered a contrast to the uncertainty surrounding his future at Tottenham. Richarlison has not been included in the senior squad after his proposed summer departure failed to materialise, and the club are expected to seek a permanent transfer in January.
His relationship with De Zerbi appears strained, with the player’s latest social media post making clear that he agrees with Ferguson’s assessment of the situation.
The episode also highlights the difficulty facing Tottenham as they manage a senior international who is unable to play Premier League football. Unless circumstances change, Richarlison’s Under-21 appearance is likely to remain his only competitive involvement before the winter window.
A move in January could provide a resolution for both player and club, but his public endorsement of Ferguson’s criticism suggests there is little sign of an improvement in relations with the manager in the meantime.