Tottenham Hotspur ace Erik Lamela has insisted that he has never thought about leaving the club despite speculation constantly suggesting otherwise.
The Argentine international joined Spurs in a £30m deal in 2013 after impressing for Roma, but suffered with a difficult first year in England.
Although he has settled into life at White Hart Lane better since that initial period, particularly under Mauricio Pochettino since his arrival from Southampton, speculation continues to link him with an exit.
The 24-year-old has moved to dismiss all talk of a departure, insisting that he has grown tired of hearing his name linked with other clubs.
“Ever since I came to Tottenham I have always heard that I am supposed to be leaving! It is the same every summer,” he told the media, as reported by ESPN FC. “I do not know why. From the beginning my focus has always been on Tottenham, even when things did not go as planned at the start.
“I have never wanted to leave or thought about leaving. I enjoy playing for the club and get on well with all the players, the staff and supporters.
“I feel a big connection with the club and especially the fans who have always supported me so much.”
Having impressed in the club’s two pre-season games in the International Champions Cup, Lamela will hope he can force his way into Pochettino’s plans to have a more prominent role in the team.
With Spurs finishing in the top three and securing their place in the Champions League this coming season, they will have a packed fixture list to contend with again this year and that will mean that Pochettino will have to rotate his players.
In turn, that could lead to further opportunities for Lamela to impress, as he will certainly eye more playing time in the Premier League to go with his impressive performances in Europe.