Richarlison says a fight for European qualification will “keep the flame burning” on Everton’s campaign when Premier League football restarts this month.

Everton are separated from sixth spot by only six points with nine games remaining, beginning with a behind-closed-doors Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on 21 June.

Brazilian forward Richarlison, who has scored 10 league goals this term, admits supporters will be “sorely missed” when the sport resumes in empty stadiums.

He is desperately keen to play again nonetheless after 2019/20 was put on ice for more than three months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I think a lot can happen in nine games, the teams are very close in the table and instead of looking back and searching for mistakes, I prefer to think about the games ahead of us,” said Richarlison.

“We want to have as many good results as possible to, who knows, enter the fight for a place in a continental tournament.

“We have to keep that flame burning.

“The last time I played without fans was on the street in my home city.

“But it is a new reality because of the pandemic and we have to adapt to it.

“The crowd will certainly be sorely missed but we understand it is for everyone's safety and for this horrible situation to end as soon as possible.”

Richarlison started all but two of Everton’s 34 games in all competitions before the season was suspended in March.

The 2,779 minutes he has spent on the pitch this term is the most of any outfield Everton player and adds to the 38 appearances Richarlison made in his debut Goodison campaign last term.

He has prospered as a central striker for the lion’s share of Carlo Ancelotti’s incipient reign, Richarlison directly contributing to five goals – scoring four – in nine Premier League matches under the Italian boss.

"Carlo is one of the greatest of all time and it has been a privilege to work with him,” said Richarlison.

“I am learning a lot from him and I am sure we will achieve good things together.

“Ancelotti is one of the greatest coaches in history, in my opinion. I think the Club has a lot to gain from him.

“He has a winning spirit and does not accept less than the maximum you can leave on the pitch.

“This mentality and the respect everyone has for him are very important and will help us a lot.

“I think this [Richarlison’s endurance] is due to a lot of work – I try to take care of myself physically – and a little luck, too.

“Everyone is liable to have injuries and miss out on a few matches. Last season, I lost games at the end of the season because I had an injury.

“There are several things that contribute to this.”

Richarlison came to England with Watford in summer 2017 and is becoming accustomed to the country after adjusting to a diet and climate far removed from those he grew up with in his homeland.

He shares a dressing room at Everton with countryman Bernard, fellow South American Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes, the Club’s Portuguese midfielder.

"It's great to have other Brazilians around and that helps a lot,” continued Richarlison.

“Here we have Bernard and Mina, who is also almost a Brazilian, André Gomes who speaks Portuguese, and we are very close.

“But regardless of whether they are Brazilian, I think the important thing is to have high-level players.

“I think I’m much better now [regarding feeling at home in England].

“I have already adapted well to the cold and the food.

“I already understand the language a lot, just to speak I still have a little difficulty but I’m improving.

“Here in Liverpool people speak very fast, sometimes I need to ask them to slow down a little bit!

“But I think I’m doing well in almost everything here in England.”