Ange Postecoglou praises 'brave' Richarlison for opening up on his mental health struggles - and believes the Tottenham forward's emotional interview can be a 'conduit for others to reach out for help'

Ange Postecoglou has lumped praise on Richarlison after the Tottenham forward bravely opened up about his mental health struggles he suffered after the 2022 Qatar World Cup. 

The Brazilian, who joined Spurs from Everton in 2022 for £60million, revealed in a tearful interview earlier this week that he had suffered from depression following the tournament and had told his dad that he had wanted to 'give up'. 

In September, Richarlison had said that he would seek 'psychological help' after he was seen crying on the side of the pitch while playing for Brazil. 

'We're all just human beings, I haven't spoken to Richy [Richarlison],' Postecoglou said in a press conference ahead of Tottenham's game against Luton this weekend.

'But Richy has really benefitted from the support that does exist, not just for him but for others in the community. Because he has benefitted so directly I think he has taken on the responsibility of trying to share that around now.

'It always makes more of an impact when it is somebody who is higher profile or is in a position where we think they shouldn't really have any problems. Or we see it as a sign of weakness when they're looking for help and support. 

'It's a credit to him. He could have dealt with this privately obviously, but I think the public aspect of it is a brave decision for him but more importantly, hopefully a conduit for others to reach out for help when it's required. 

'As I said it's always a balance to these things, you know where that's Richy [Richarlison] or anyone else, for all of us we have challenges in our lives and there's help you can get out there. It shouldn't hopefully get to the point where it is so overwhelming that it takes over everything. 

'I said credit to Richy he's sought help, got the right help and wants others to benefit.'

In a tearful interview with ESPN Brazil, Richarlison stated that going to see a therapist after the 2022 World Cup saved his life.  

'I'd just played in a World Cup, man, at my peak,' Richarlison said. 'I was reaching my limit, you know? I don't know, I'm not going to talk about killing myself, but I was in a depression there, and I wanted to give up.

'Even I, who seemed to be mentally strong. After the World Cup it seemed like it all fell apart.

'I think the therapist, like it or not, saved me, saved my life. I only thought rubbish. Even on Google, I only searched for rubbish, I only wanted to see rubbish about death.

'Today I can say, look for a psychologist, if you need a psychologist, look for one because it's nice for you to open up like that, for you to be talking to the person. 

'Today a [psychologist] came to thank me for taking this to the world of football, to the world, outside the pitch too, because it is very important and, whether we like it or not, it saves lives.'

Postecoglou also delivered some positive news over his squad's fitness, revealing that Micky van de Ven had returned to traning after he had appeared to walk from the field with an injury during his side's 4-0 win vs Aston Villa. 

'In terms of injuries. Micky has trained. He's trained the last couple of days. He feels good so he will be available.

'Everyone else got through the internationals okay, which was important for us. Everyone came back and trained fully on Friday.'

On Richarlison's fitness, he added: 'He is okay. Had a bit of a knee niggle and we're managing him. Brazil managed him but he trained today and feels good.' 

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