Watford starlet Richarlison has revealed his shock at hearing the news Marco Silva had been sacked last month.

Richarlison made a flying start to life in England, scoring five goals by the end November, but has since gone without a goal in 15 outings.

The Brazilian credits Silva, who was relieved of his duties after a dismal run of eight defeats in 11 games, as one of the main reasons he opted to join Watford in the summer and was disappointed to see him depart WD18.

“I owe Marco a lot because he is the one that called me before I came to Watford. I moved here because of him,” Richarlison told the Evening Standard.

“He helped me every day and was extremely good with me. Marco is the person who is least to blame for the bad results and the one who paid the highest price. The ones on the pitch were to blame, not him.

“I was asleep in my house and Heurelho Gomes came over, woke me up, to tell me the news. I was very sad and reacted without thinking.”

With Silva now consigned to the Vicarage Road history books, Watford’s present and future lies in the hands of Javi Gracia.

The Spaniard took a point from his first Premier League game in charge with a 0-0 draw against Stoke City and will take charge of his maiden game at Vicarage Road against Chelsea this evening.

Despite his clear affection for Silva, Richarlison insists the Watford squad is fully behind Gracia ahead of tonight’s meeting with the champions and is hopeful of causing an upset.

“Javi is our manager and we are working hard for him. He is asking everyone to have a great attitude on the pitch,” he said.

“Can we stay up? Of course. Everyone saw against Stoke that we are starting to play well. We have no doubt that against Chelsea we can play a good game.”

Wednesday’s clash with Stoke was a typically physical encounter as both sides committed to a full-blooded affair.

It is an aspect of the English game Richarlison has had to adapt to quickly, but he says he has grown accustomed the demanding nature of Premier League football.

“If you are playing good you have to expect these things,” the 20-year-old said. “Teams study us and they have started to double mark me, sometimes I’ve had three players to deal with me.

“I do feel some pain. My toenails are out of my foot because of all the stamps I have received during games. It is fine. This is the Premier League and the way they play here.”