Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Toby Alderweireld has insisted that he never wanted to leave the club this summer, despite widespread reports to the contrary.
The Belgian defender was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United amid unsuccessful contract talks with Spurs, although no move materialised before last month's transfer deadline.
Alderweireld now has less than a year remaining on his contract, but he rejected reports that he was pushing to leave North London and insists that he was always focused on working his way back into the team.
"Everyone was saying everywhere that I absolutely wanted to leave Tottenham," Alderweireld told reporters.
"That's not true. This summer, I quickly understood Tottenham wanted to keep me. So, I had to battle to get my place back in the team. To be in the first team again is a victory for me.
"I just try to help Tottenham as best I can with my qualities. Regarding my future, everything that was said in the press was not right all the time."
Spurs do have an option to extend Alderweireld's current deal by a further year, although that would see a £25m release clause inserted into the contract.
Barney Corkhill
