Spurs star explains why he wanted to leave the club this summer

Tottenham’s poor form has been put down to many different reasons but perhaps one of the most well-subscribed one seems to be the fact that the club still have too many players who don’t want to be there.

While Christian Eriksen has been public with his desire to leave (Ekstra Bladet), both Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen are also into the final years of their contract with the club, just like the Dane.

Victor Wanyama was another player who the club failed to sell before the close of the transfer window (All Africa).

Now, full back Serge Aurier has admitted that he was also keen on securing a move away from Spurs this summer. The defender insisted that it was due to his desire to move that he has seen little game time in the early parts of the season.

Speaking to the Sun, Aurier said, “I was looking for an exit, so I couldn’t play. When you’re trying to move, you can’t play because an injury or whatever else can scupper everything.

“I wanted to leave so it was normal for me to not be on the pitch. Beyond that, it’s the manager’s decision. He’s the one who decides what’s best for the group.

“Like I’ve said, the season is long so we’ll try and be better going forward and for what comes next.”

However, the Ivorian admitted that his intention to leave the club was only driven by the lack of regular football in previous seasons and insisted that it won’t affect his performances this campaign.

Aurier added, “That desire to leave, I think it’s a bit normal. I’m an important player of the national team. I’m not 20 anymore and I need to play, to be happy.

“There are situations that mean you need to make a decision. I’m a big boy and a dad, so there are choices that are good for me and my family.

“But I’m not the only one who decides. Today, the window is closed so I’m focusing on my club and we’ll see what happens later.

“I’m not disappointed to have stayed because that will allow me to surpass myself, to have a very good season and we’ll see.

“The boss has the last word and here the boss is the manager.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While it is hard to feel much sympathy for Aurier after his recent mistakes, I still believe he has all the qualities to be a good right back. If he can iron the rough edges out of his game (and that’s certainly a big ‘if’) and get a consistent run in the side to build his confidence up, then I think he can turn his Spurs career around. A large part of whether that’s possible depends on whether Pochettino chooses to use Juan Foyth at centre back or right back.

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