Watford star Richarlison unafraid of Chelsea as young Brazilian striker reveals he once had a GUN pointed at his face
Premier League's latest hit grew up in one of Brazil's most dangerous areas where drugs and violence were rife
WATFORD star Richarlison insists he’s not frightened by the prospect of facing champions Chelsea this weekend – because he once had a GUN pointed at his face.
The young Brazilian forward has set the Premier League alight following a shock move to the Hornets over the summer.
Richarlison has already helped himself to three goals and has saved Watford’s skin at the death on more than one occasion.
The ace faces his toughest test in England yet when Marco Silva’s men visit Stamford Bridge in the early kick-off on Saturday.
But after a tough upbringing in one of the most dangerous parts of Brazil, Richarlison fears nothing.
He told The Telegraph: “I remember when I was growing up in Brazil, a guy once pointed a gun at my face because he thought I was a drug dealer trying to steal his distribution point.
“That was my life. After that, playing Chelsea seems much easier! That sort of thing was natural in my life, so I was not scared at all.
“It was a pretty rough area: I saw drugs in front of me every day, and gunshots as well. Some of my friends from that time are in jail now.”
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Richarlison also revealed he rejected Ajax to link up with Silva in England, adding: “I had told Ajax that I was going there, but Marco called me saying that he knew my potential.
“Premier League football was my dream – I watched it with my uncle on TV and Cristiano Ronaldo was my hero. So I did not think twice when I received the offer.”
Watford transfer news
Richarlison will have the chance to showcase his talents again when Chelsea come calling at the weekend.
But it appears he’s already become close friends with some of the Blues’ samba stars.
Richarlison revealed: “I go quite often to David Luiz’s house, and Willian usually joins us, as they are close friends.
“We have a barbecue, play video games, and we cannot live without samba. David told me that I can score against everybody but Chelsea. I said that I have to beat all of them.”
