Everton legend Duncan Ferguson slammed Roberto De Zerbi for banishing Richarlison from Tottenham's first team, and the Brazilian has responded to those comments on Instagram.

Richarlison was brutally omitted from Tottenham's Premier League squad and has been limited to appearances for the club's U21s so far this term. The 29-year-old almost left Spurs in the transfer window, but a return to Everton fell through before the window shut, and other options failed to materialise.

The former Toffees striker turned out for the Lilywhites U21s in Jersey Mike's Trophy on Tuesday night and was widely praised for his 'immaculate' attitude. He took pictures with fans and signed autographs after scoring in the 2-2 draw against Cheltenham Town before converting a penalty kick in the 7-6 shootout loss.

Richarlison takes aim at Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi on Instagram

Having not played for Spurs' first team since their 3-0 defeat to Brentford in August, many - including Everton legend Duncan Ferguson - have criticised De Zerbi for his treatment of the forward.

Ferguson worked with the Brazilian international during his spell as interim boss at Goodison Park, and he theorised why he no longer has a future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on an Overlap Daily episode.

"I don’t know what the manager at Tottenham’s done," the Scot said. "I don’t know if they’ve had a massive fall-out, and knowing Richy (Richarlison) they probably have. but you’ve got to put your arm around him and say, ‘Come on, Richy,’ and get him back in.

"You don’t leave a player like that out (of the squad) unless there’s been a real murder: he’s chinned him, or there’s been a proper scrap on the training ground. Richarlison’s a good player, and Tottenham are not that great, are they?"

Ferguson then said he "enjoyed working" with Richarlison during their brief spell together, and the centre-forward was happy to see his former boss in his corner.

Responding to his comments on an Instagram story, the wantaway striker aimed a dig at De Zerbi by simply writing: "Thanks @duncan9ferguson, you are right."

How did Tottenham and Richarlison get to this point?

A rift between Richarlison and De Zerbi began at the start of August during their tour of Sydney, when the Italian claimed that he "doesn't know" if his striker will stay as he "sometimes" wants to leave.

"I don't know," Zerbi said in response to being asked about his immediate future. "I didn't understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave. We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem. He's a lovely guy."

Richarlison clearly indicated that he saw his long-term future away from North London, and instead of continuing to play him, De Zerbi brutally axed him from the Premier League squad and then refused to play him in the Carabao Cup.

That decision was made easier by the club signing Manchester City duo Savio and Omar Marmoush, as well as the return of first-choice striker Dominic Solanke.

In the summer, Richarlison was incredibly close to joining boyhood club Vasco da Gama, but the deal fell through because Tottenham hit their international loan limits and couldn't approve the structure.

A similar scenario played out when Trabzonspor attempted to sign the Brazilian, though a move collapsed due to the Turkish giants running out of foreign player registration slots before the window shut.

De Zerbi has since expressed no regrets over his decision to omit Richarlison from his Premier League squad, and so he will continue to play for the U21s until the January window.

That will be Tottenham's final chance to recoup some cash for their unwanted striker before his contract officially expires in June 2027.