"I was at rock bottom; psychological help saved my life"

Tottenham Hotspur and Brazil striker Richarlison confessed that he hit "rock bottom" and that psychological help has saved his life. The player admitted he would seek professional help after being substituted in a 'Canarinha' match in September when cameras caught him crying on the bench.

"As a player, you have a voice that is heard and I ask people to seek help. We know the prejudice people have when you say you need psychological help, but thank God I don't feel prejudice about that anymore," Richarlison said at Brazil's training camp in London.

"I talk about it because it saved my life. I was at rock bottom. Only footballers know the pressure we have to endure, not only on the pitch, but also off the pitch". When Richarlison asked for help in September, his numbers for Tottenham were not good and he had scored just four goals in 40 games after Spurs paid £60m for him.

After beginning treatment and overcoming a groin problem in November, Richarlison has scored nine goals for his club and has regained his confidence with Brazil, who have called him up for the friendlies against England and Spain. The striker has 48 caps to his name and if he plays in the two matches he will reach the half-century mark for the national team.

"I'm very happy to reach this number with Brazil, because not many players can boast about it. Now, I don't want to stop here, I want more. The next target is 100 games. I hope to continue like this, to keep developing with this team and win more titles, which is the most important thing," said the 26-year-old. "I have told Dorival Junior that the national team, for me, comes first. God in heaven and the national team on earth," concluded Richarlison.