Argentina midfielder Erik Lamela has insisted he never came close to leaving Tottenham during his hugely disappointing first season with the north London club.
Lamela struggled to make an impact in the Premier League following his 30 million pound move from Roma in the summer of 2013, with injuries and a dip in form ruining his hopes of immediately proving his worth in the English game.
An encouraging start to the 2014-15 season suggests that Lamela may yet prove his worth at Spurs after a summer of speculation linking him with a return to Italy and he seemed determined to do just that as he spoke to Corriere dello Sport.
"I read a lot of things in the newspapers and perhaps there were a few enquiries from clubs, but I had no direct contact or doubts about my future," he stated. "Last season was complicated for me because of injury, but I feel good now. And I have to thank Tottenham for their help and patience. They have always shown faith in me. Now I am on the right path and I want to impose myself in the Premier League.
"A return to Italy one day? I'm still young and my career will be a long one. But, to be honest, all I'm thinking about right now is Tottenham. I want to give them my best. I owe them that."
Lamela scored an impressive goal for Argentina as they beat Germany 4-2 on Wednesday and he will return to action in Tottenham colours in their Premier League game at Sunderland next weekend.