What Richarlison did with Everton fans shows why he’ll always be loved at Goodison

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For Everton fans, there have been few greater heroes in recent years than Richarlison.

The Brazilian, who joined from Watford in 2018, was a huge signing at the time, but also an investment into what seemed like a supremely promising future.

Reuniting with Marco Silva, it seemed like the two were ready to cook up a storm at Goodison Park and lead the Toffees back to glory.

However, the Portuguese manager would see his tenure cut brutally short, whilst the 26-year-old marksman remained until his eventual sale to yesterday’s opponents.

Having commanded a massive £60m fee, Richarlison would leave having done all he could to keep the club afloat, with his performances and that eventual financial boost proving vital in allowing them to continue moving forward.

Well, that love between both player and club resurfaced again yesterday, with some heartfelt full-time scenes which detail no ill feelings towards the man who scored the opener against them.

He would walk over to the travelling support, Andre Gomes’ shirt draped over his shoulder, and applaud them with a begrudged look on his face.

Although he will have no regrets about leaving Everton, given the enthralling regime of which he is now a part, it must have been sad for him to see Sean Dyche‘s side exhibiting such a fine brand of football, and arguably outplaying his Tottenham Hotspur outfit.

Perhaps he might take up Kevin Campbell’s offer of a return after such a performance.

How good was Richarlison for Everton?

It is truly impossible to quantify just how important Richarlison was to Everton across his four years on Merseyside, in which he truly gave his all to adapt to the culture and integrate into their society.

He was widely adored, as a player of immense quality but also bags of personality. That cheekiness would often spill over onto the pitch, with his many rivalries built from his brand of football that is always bound to attract detractors.

However, what truly cemented his hero status at Goodison Park was his performances throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

Clearly at a level way above everyone inside the dressing room, he made it his personal mission to ensure the Toffees would not succumb to the drop.

Finishing with ten goals and five assists, somr of which came in vital wins over Arsenal and Crystal Palace, it was he who spearheaded a threadbare front line and dragged Everton over the line.

For that, the fans will forever be grateful, and so the full-time scenes mark a mere microcosm of the affection that will forever be felt towards Richarlison.