The 24-year-old was linked with a move away from Tottenham Hotspur in recent summers.
Jan Vertonghen has said to the Hertfordshire Mercury that he does not believe Erik Lamela would have left Tottenham Hotspur, despite persistent rumours about his future.
The 24-year-old joined Spurs from Roma in 2013 for £30 million (reported by ESPN) but he has regularly found himself linked with a return to Italy.
In June, The Sun reported that Inter Milan were prepared to offer Tottenham two players in exchange for the Argentine winger.
Before last season, the speculation was justified, given how a lack of fitness and form had given rise to suggestions that Lamela represented quite a poor investment by the club.
But the South American dazzled last season, netting 11 times and setting up another 10 in all competitions; form which made it difficult to understand why Mauricio Pochettino would want to lose such a player.
Nevertheless, Vertonghen is confident that Lamela the “soldier” was not interested in returning to Italy, suggesting that he fits “perfectly” with the North London side.
“I think he never wanted to go back. He’s a soldier and that’s why he fits so perfectly in this team,” said Vertonghen to The Hertfordshire Mercury.
“He works maybe the hardest of everyone and he’s mentally very strong.”
Lamela could come back into the first XI tomorrow as Spurs clash with Monaco at Wembley for their Champions League opener.
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