Belgium international Toby Alderweireld has stressed that he never sought a summer exit from Tottenham Hotspur unlike claimed in the media. The central defender had managed just 14 league appearances last term after he played second fiddle to Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez and this led to claims that he could pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere.

Thereafter, Manchester United were heavily tipped to sign him during the summer transfer window but ultimately a deal never materialised with reports suggesting that the Red Devils had failed to match Spurs’ £70m asking price. Amidst this, Alderweireld has now indicated a summer departure from Spurs was never on the cards, he said:

“Everyone was saying everywhere that I absolutely wanted to leave Tottenham. 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.”

Despite being out of contention at Spurs last season, Alderweireld was fundamental for Belgium at the summer World Cup where they excelled to secure the third position for the first time in their history. As such, his performances were hard to ignore for Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino and he has managed to start the current season on a good note, starting three of the club’s four Premier League games.

Nevertheless, the Belgian’s long-term future with Spurs remains under consideration with his current contract due to expire at the end of the campaign. The north Londoners do have the option of a one-year extension which they could trigger but that would supposedly attach a £25m release clause to his existing deal.