In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo magazine, Richarlison reveals that he nearly quit football aged 16 to focus on selling ice cream and growing coffee with his grandfather.
The Everton forward grew up in Espirito Santo and says he helped his grandfather grow coffee and sell peanuts, while also selling ice cream.
After failing another trial aged 16, the player said he nearly gave up on the dream of being a footballer.
“After my first trial went wrong I was 16 years old, I was always required at home to pull my weight,” Richarlison said.
"My mum wanted me to work and study, she put me under pressure to bring in food and be a member of the household.
"I was very close to quitting and just get a job. I sold ice creams, I worked at a car wash and my grandfather had a piece of land and I'd help him out. He grew coffee and peanuts."
The player says football kept him away from temptations like gang violence and selling drugs as a teenager.
“All the cities have loads of football pitches and, in a way, they are a refuge. It was an escape for many from drugs.
“I've seen wads of cash in front of me, but it was good for me to have this escape and have a coach who was a police officer. He was a great example to me and helped me a lot."
