Richarlison jokes about retirement aims as star prepares for World Cup
‘I’m going to buy an island and be alone with a bunch of women’: Spurs star Richarlison jokes about retirement plan to be ‘just like Ronaldinho’, as he recalls image of the Brazil legend partying after his iconic career
- Richarlison gave a light-hearted response to being asked for his retirement plans
- The forward appeared relaxed as he prepares to lead Brazil’s World Cup attack
- Richarlison was also seen joking with Fred during the team’s official photo shoot
- The number nine is expected to start in Brazil’s opening match against Serbia
- Follow Sportsmail’s 2022 Qatar World Cup live blog for all the latest updates
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
Richarlison has joked he plans to ‘buy an island’ and ‘be alone with a bunch of women’, as the forward prepares to lead the line for Brazil at the World Cup.
The 25-year-old showed he is in a relaxed mood ahead of his country’s opening match against Serbia on Thursday, despite being handed their iconic number nine shirt for the tournament in Qatar.
The Tottenham forward joked that he would emulate Ronaldinho in retirement, referencing an image of the former Barcelona and AC Milan star being surrounded by women in a pool.
Richarlison, 25, joked about his retirement plans ahead of Brazil’s opening World Cup match
Richarlison referenced a photo of Ronaldinho taken back in 2014 during the interview
Richarlison had been asked by journalist Isa Pagliari about whether he had an idea of how he would spend his retirement, during an interview with RonaldoTV, as per UOL Esporte.
‘I’m going to buy an island and be alone with a bunch of women, just like that picture of Ronaldinho’, Richarlison replied.
‘It’s a joke, it’s just imagination.’
Richarlison was also seen dragging Manchester United midfielder Fred out of a spot reserved for Neymar during the Brazilian team’s official World Cup photoshoot.
The forward moved Fred out of a central spot, placing him between Raphinha and Alex Telles for the team photo.
The light-hearted antics comes before the serious action gets underway, with Brazil seeking to win a first World Cup since 2002, where Ronaldinho was among a star-studded squad.
Brazil coach Tite has a wealth of attacking options to choose from, with the squad still headlined by Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar.
Real Madrid and Barcelona wingers Vincius Jr and Raphinha add to Brazil’s firepower, alongside Premier League stars including Manchester United’s Antony and Arsenal duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
Brazil’s depth was highlighted by Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino missing out on the squad.
Richarlison has faced a battle to secure a starting spot at Tottenham since his £60million summer move from Everton, but has established himself in Tite’s side ahead of the World Cup.
The 25-year-old has scored seven times in six matches in 2022, including three goals in their final World Cup warm-up matches in September against Ghana and Tunisia.
Richarlison, who has scored 17 goals in 38 appearances for Brazil, will hope to add to the tally in Qatar.
Richarlison is expected to start Brazil’s opening match against Serbia on Thursday
Brazil’s number nine had faced a nervous wait to see whether he would be fit enough to feature at his first World Cup, after suffering a calf injury against his former side Everton in October.
He proved his fitness by featuring in Tottenham’s final two matches before the World Cup break.
Richarlison has already tasted tournament success with Brazil, scoring in their 3-1 win over Peru in the final of the 2019 Copa America, before top scoring at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Brazil’s pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup title will begin against Serbia at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Thursday, before facing fellow Group G rivals Switzerland and Cameroon.
The Selecao start the tournament as favourites, with the side currently on a streak of 15 matches unbeaten since losing the 2021 Copa America final to Argentina.
Brazil have won 12 times in those 15 games, with three draws, scoring 38 goals in total during that run.
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