‘There were days I didn’t want to leave the house’, says Richarlison as Brazil & Spurs star opens up on dark days

RICHARLISON revealed working with a psychologist was a huge help — and wants all players to have access to one.

The Tottenham striker said in September he would seek mental-health support after a tough time away from football.

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Richarlison has opened up on his darker days[/caption]

It affected his form on the pitch too, but after therapy which coincided with groin surgery, he hit nine goals in ten games between December and February.

He said: “It is really important to have the support of a psychologist. All players should have that support.

“That’s really helped. Now, I am totally focused mentally on my football.”

Lifting the lid on his dark times, the Brazilian,  26,  admitted he  refused to seek help as people would think him “crazy”.

He said: “There were days when I didn’t want to leave the house, leave my room.

“I’d go to train, go straight home and lock myself inside my room.

“As I am from the countryside and there is a kind of attitude like, ‘I am not going to do these [therapy] sessions, because I am not crazy’, or something. My family has this prejudice.”

Richarlison, set to earn his 49th cap against England on Saturday at Wembley, hopes speaking out on his mental-health struggles can inspire others.

He added: “People should have courage to find that help because it can change a lot to make a better life.

“I managed, with the help of the club, to get this help. This was very important.”

On the pitch Richarlison has now scored ten goals and registered three assists in the Premier League this season.

But his full focus will be on his international duties with Brazil ahead of clashes with England and Spain.

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Richarlison is preparing for some tough fixtures with Brazil during the international break[/caption]