Serge Aurier has admitted he wanted to leave Tottenham this summer but a move failed to materialise.
The Ivory Coast captain is yet to play a single minute for Spurs this season after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations with a wrist injury. He was, however, on the bench in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal a fortnight ago.
Having been linked with a move to AC Milan days before the European transfer window closed, it has been suggested Mauricio Pochettino is no longer in need of Aurier, preferring Kyle Walker-Peters and Juan Foyth as his right-back options.
Davinson Sanchez, who is usually a centre-back, was picked ahead of Aurier in the north London derby, but that may have been down to fitness. We think Aurier might start against Crystal Palace on Saturday – check out our full predicted XI here.
Speaking to Bal des Productions, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aurier revealed he decided to leave Tottenham in the summer but is now focused on the campaign after a transfer failed to happen.
Asked if he is worried about spending the season on the bench because of the competition for places at Spurs, he said: “What competition? There isn’t any.
“I’d simply decided to leave [this summer], which was normal for me. Many things were taken into consideration. In the end, I wasn’t able to leave. It proves the club trust me on a lot of points, and we’ll see.
“We’ll see how the season pans out, but for now, I’m here, the transfer window is shut and we need to concentrate on the campaign ahead.”
With Trippier leaving for Atletico Madrid in July, this season might have been a good opportunity for Aurier to claim the right-back spot in normal circumstances. But while questions marks remain over his ability, Pochettino is likely to continue rotating.
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