Richarlison says money was never a consideration when chasing his dream of making history in the Premier League and deciding to turn down a move to Ajax.

The Brazilian winger was in advanced talks with the Eredivisie side last summer before Watford swooped to complete a deal for the then Fluminense man.

While a move to Ajax would have offered greater financial reward and the lure of Champions League football, Richarlison says his desire to play in the Premier League was too strong to ignore.

“Ajax are a big club, playing in the Champions League and I would have got more money there,” he told FourFourTwo.

“I came to Watford to play in the Premier League and stand out. No amount of money could ruin my dream.

“I came to Watford to make history.”

Richarlison’s start to life in England suggested the dream he wanted to live out was going to be a pleasant one as he plundered five goals in his first 12 games.

A run of 21 outings without finding the net has followed, however, and the 20-year-old, who has looked short of energy in recent weeks, admits to having to get used to the gruelling nature of English football.

“The game’s very different here – players run for the full 90 minutes,” he said. “You have to train hard and recover well so you don’t get cramps during the game.”

Challenges adapting to the frenetic pace of Premier League football have not prevented Richarlison from enjoying his brief time in England so far.

He had to deal with rejection early in his career, as do many professional players, and is now relishing the chance to test himself against some of football’s biggest teams and players.

He said: “I was rejected by Avai and Figueirense but today I am playing in the Premier League against great players.

“When we played against Manchester United and I saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it made my eyes shine. This is a childhood dream that came true.”

Settling in Watford was by no means an easy task for Richarlison as he had to get used to a new diet and climate.

The presence of Heurelho Gomes in the Hornets squad has helped significantly and Richarlison speaks glowingly of a player he has a close relationship with.

He said: “Heurelho Gomes has been like a father to me. He has helped me sort out a car a house – basically everything.”

Richarlison and Watford’s next test comes in the form of an away day against Liverpool on Saturday where they will look to bounce back from a 3-0 loss at Arsenal.