Frank Lampard has rejected Tottenham striker Richarlison’s claims that Everton lack ambition ahead of their reunion on Saturday. 

The Brazilian striker left the Toffees for £60million to join Antonio Conte‘s Spurs this summer in search of Champions League football.

Richarlison even revealed Everton’s lack of ambition was a reason for his departure in a recent interview.

Brazilian striker Richarlison left Everton for £60million to join Tottenham during the summer

Frank Lampard has rejected Tottenham striker Richarlison’s claims that Everton lack ambition

Lampard, however, refused to criticise his former striker as he respects all that he achieved during his time at Goodison Park, especially being the club’s top goalscorer in last season’s survival act. 

‘I love Richy,’ said Lampard. ‘Every club is relative, this club has spent a lot of money over the last five, six, seven years, so ambition can be measured in different ways. 

‘The history of this club, the First Division titles we have won, the FA Cups we have won, all those things come into the conversation.

Richarlison played a key role being Everton’s top goalscorer in last season’s survival act

‘If you’re talking about the here and now, I’m certainly ambitious. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t. I’m trying to build something. 

‘It’s clear to see Tottenham are in the Champions League and we’re not. In simple terms, that’s it. 

‘I think that was probably his point and when you get asked, those things can be translated in different ways.

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‘I think it’s a non-important question and answer, it’s done. We all wish Richy well. It’s a nice situation for a player to leave a good with a good feeling. 

‘He left with dignity, he left with his head held high with his team-mates, myself, the fans, the club. He gave everything for this club.

‘The fans respected the work ethic and quality he brought here, his team-mates respected that. He moves on and we certainly move on.’ 

Richarlison was a fan favourite at Goodison Park, playing a crucial role in their Premier League survival last season. 

He scored 53 goals in 152 games for Everton after arriving from Watford back in July 2018.

The Brazilian forward scored 53 goals in 152 games for Everton after arriving back in 2018 

But in a recent interview revealed Everton perhaps lacked ambition hence his move to north London during the summer. 

‘It’s always a tough call when you have such strong connections with your club, and that was definitely the case for me,’ Richarlison told FourFourTwo. 

‘I was happy at Everton and I’m grateful for everything I learned there. It’s a big club with a lot of history.

‘However, perhaps they’re suffering with a lack of ambition nowadays. You know, that eagerness to win matches and trophies. I spent four years there and I could see there was still a very long way to go to achieve big things.

‘I felt it was the right time to move on, and the club also had to make some money. It was a good deal for everyone involved. I’m delighted with this new challenge at Spurs.’

Richarlison is set to face his former club for the first time since leaving this summer.