Tottenham striker Richarlison will refuse to shake Michail Antonio’s hand this season after the West Ham star made fun of him during an episode of their podcast last season, Antonio has revealed.
The West Ham man is part of the footballer’s football podcast alongside England striker Callum Wilson, and last season pointed to £60m signing Richarlison’s poor goalscoring record, and his perchance for being offside.
“He’s scored four times this season,” Antonio said.
“Three of the times he’s been offside [and] he’s taken his top off four times this season.
Newcastle forward Wilson added: “He’s got four yellows – he’s almost on a suspension”
🤣 Antonio and Wilson have finished Richarlison. pic.twitter.com/9VtXmCNJ8P
— R. (@alrhemist) May 4, 2023
Then-Spurs boss Ryan Mason wasn’t happy with the comments, while Richarlison made reference to them on TikTok over the summer.
Liverpool, UK. 30th Apr, 2023. Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his teams 3rd goal. Premier League match, Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in Liverpool on Sunday 30th April 2023. this image may only be used for Editorial p 2PWFMA9 Liverpool, UK. 30th Apr, 2023. Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his teams 3rd goal. Premier League match, Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in Liverpool on Sunday 30th April 2023. this image may only be used for Editorial purposes. Editorial use only, license required for commercial use. No use in betting, games or a single club/league/player publications. pic by Chris Stading/Andrew Orchard sports photography/Alamy Live news Credit: Andrew Orchard sports photography/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
At least, that is what Antonio has been told by his own teammate Lucas Paqueta, who joined Richarlison for the summer internationals with Brazil.
“I am no longer commenting on Richarlison”, Antonio explained on his latest podcast episode.
“It’s got to the stage where I feel that some people are a little touchy.
“I am not going to talk about the person that is in that position. I am just going to say that Tottenham need a striker. I will leave it at that – It’s banter. We banter with each other.
“I have gone to Paqueta. They play with each other. I have said ‘What’s wrong with your boy? It’s a bit of banter. I don’t understand why he is taking it so personally’, to the stage where his manager has to talk.
“Lucas is like ‘It’s just how he is, Mickey. I told him that’s how you are. But he says ‘no, no, no. When we play against them. I am not going to shake his hand’.”