Richarlison has urged Brazilian authorities to open an investigation into Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, claiming he unlawfully seized his private island. The Tottenham Hotspur outcast has turned to social media to air his allegations, asserting that Bolsonaro assumed control of the property without providing any compensation.
The island, which was acquired during the Covid-19 pandemic, had drawn attention from several potential purchasers, Bolsonaro among them. However, Richarlison declined to part with it.
In a video shared on social media outlining his account of what happened, Richarlison said, via The Mirror: "Between 2020 and 2021, I bought the island. Several potential buyers then came forward, but I didn't want to sell it. Flavio Bolsonaro was among those interested. He even used a drone to film the island from above, and there's a video of it on his Instagram.
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"But I didn't want to sell the island to him and they took advantage of the situation in court. We were sorting out the paperwork (documentation for the island's ownership), and they said it would take months or even years to resolve.
"Flavio Bolsonaro and this guy Willian Tomas went there and, in 24 hours, took possession of the island. That's where the justice system failed.
"Those guys took the island without spending a penny, as far as I know. I have not received a penny and I spent around R$ 10 million (around $1.98 million) there and received nothing.
"I'm asking the federal police to help and investigate this properly because we want answers. I want to recover my money, not get the island back.
"If I do get the money back, I'll donate part of it to a hospital in my hometown to help them. I just want what's rightfully mine, which I earned through hard work."
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Richarlison also urged his followers to demand accountability from Bolsonaro before the presidential run-off against Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, set for Sunday, October 25.
It has been a difficult year for Richarlison, who was omitted from Roberto De Zerbi's 25-man Premier League roster after failing to secure a move away from Tottenham during the summer transfer period.
The Brazilian also appeared to have a public falling-out with De Zerbi, sharing on social media an article that indicated there had been a 'fight' between the striker and his manager.
Richarlison has subsequently appeared for Spurs' Under-21s, scoring twice in a 2-2 tie against Cheltenham Town in the Jersey Mike's Trophy, though the League Two side ultimately won on penalties.
His only Premier League appearance this campaign came in a 3-0 defeat to Brentford, when he played for 68 minutes before being substituted. He has since been frozen out of the first-team setup.