Spurs player reveals change of heart over his future

The Ivorian made his first Premier League start of the season in Saturday’s 4-0 win against Crystal Palace.

 

Mauricio Pochettino had decided to pick Kyle Walker-Peters at right-back for the opening three matches of the season before. a hamstring injury in the defeat to Newcastle saw him sidelined.

 

The Spurs boss started Davinson Sanchez at right-back in the North London derby ahead of the former PSG player, with Sanchez looking out of his depth on the flank.

 

Aurier was impressive against Roy Hodgson’s side, looking comfortable in both attack and defence whilst also playing a key part in two of Tottenham’s goals.

 

He has admitted that he did want to depart North London this summer but after speaking to Pochettino and Daniel Levy, he is now focusing on helping Spurs to compete for silverware this season.

 

He told the Evening Standard when asked if he wanted to depart: “Yes, but that was the situation before the transfer window closed. Now I’m feeling calm and happy to stay. I’ve spoken with everyone and I don’t want to leave. I had something in my head, but I didn’t want to leave for the gaffer or the chairman. 

 

“It was a personal situation and now it’s OK. Everyone wants to give me another chance. We need to give our best for this season and for the trophies. The new season has started for me and that is it.

 

“It was my first game in this stadium, my family were there. Nothing has changed in my life. I stay and now I want to prove myself, give my best for the supporters, for the club, for everyone.”

 

 

While Aurier was impressive against Palace, consistency has always been his  issue.

 

He now needs to maintain that level of performance every game, rather than slip back into his defensive lapses of being caught out of position, or giving away needless penalties.

 

The return of Juan Foyth will also add increased competition for the right-back slot.