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LONDON. — Harry Kane is adamant his reputation remains intact after breaking his silence on the failed attempts to leave Tottenham for English Premiership champions Manchester City.
In what was one of the most high-profile transfer sagas of the summer, Kane was last week forced to accept that he would be staying in north London as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy refused to sanction his exit.
And the England captain has spoken for the first time about the deal that never was, telling talkSport: “I know there was a lot of noise around me but I was calm. I knew the situation between me and the club.
“Everyone had their opinions but I am fully focused with club and country and looking forward to a great year.
“No I don’t think (my reputation has been tarnished), anyone involved in the football industry knows the ins and outs and I was calm with the situation.
“It was between me and the club, when you know the truth and you know what it is going on, your conscience is clear.
“I have had ups and downs and I know a lot of people who know I am a professional athlete and dedicate my life to this game.
“My focus moving forward is to win silverware at Tottenham and this year is no different.
“We have started brilliantly in the Premier League with three wins and we have a new manager. This is my focus.
“We want to win as many games as possible and get that trophy I have wanted all my career.’’
Meanwhile, Tottenham have released full-back Serge Aurier on a free transfer after agreeing to a mutual termination of his contract, ending his four-year stint with the club.
Aurier arrived in north London from PSG in 2017 for around £23million and has since made more than 100 appearances for the Lilywhites — scoring eight times — although he battled to nail down a regular spot as the club’s first choice right back.
He vyed with the likes of Kieran Trippier and Matt Doherty for supremacy down the right flank, while Japhet Tanganga has been favoured in the role this season under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
His future looked bleak after the arrival of Emerson Royal from Barcelona on deadline day in a deal worth £25.7m. Announcing the Cote d’lvoire star’s departure, Tottenham said: “The Club can confirm the departure of Serge Aurier following the mutual termination of his contract.
“We thank Serge for his service and wish him well for the future.’’
The 28-year-old paid tribute to the club upon his exit — thanking the fans for their support but said he was ready for the next chapter of his career.
“I have really enjoyed my time at Spurs and would like to thank the Club and the fans, but I feel now is the right time for me to move onto a new challenge,’’ he said. — Mailonline.
Online Reporter