Alderweireld spent nearly two months out of the Tottenham first-team due to injury, but has issued a positive update regarding his fitness and future.
Toby Alderweireld has handed Tottenham Hotspur a double boost after offering positive updates regarding both his fitness and his White Hart Lane future, Sky Sports reports.
The 27-year-old has only just returned to the Spurs first-team after nearly two months on the sidelines due to a knee injury, despite initial predictions suggesting that he would be missing for just two weeks (via Sky Sports).
But with two appearances under his belt since his return, the Belgian suggested that he may now be in better shape than before he sustained the problem against West Bromwich Albion back in October.
Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld
“I knew that when the nerve started working normally again, I had to be able to play as quickly as possible, and that was my motivation,” he said, as reported by Sky Sports.
“I feel fit, even better than I did, and I’m hungry to help the team. It felt good to be back on the pitch against CSKA Moscow and Manchester United.”
The idea of Alderweireld feeling better than before will be great news for Tottenham fans and not so great news for the club’s rivals in the Premier League, as the former Southampton man was undoubtedly hugely important during their title challenge last season.
However, his form may have also left some Spurs supporters nervous given that reports from Belgian newspaper Le Soir suggested that he had a release clause in his contract worth £25m, which would arguably be a bargain fee for a player of Alderweireld’s calibre.
But the defender has moved to play down any talk of a potential exit but suggesting, in no uncertain terms, that he has no desire to move away.
“I signed for Tottenham for a reason and I love to play here,” he added.
“I see no problem there. Whatever has been written, I am only focusing on football because that is what I love to do.”
While the number of first-team players to have signed new deals recently will undoubtedly help the club’s chances of progressing, Alderweireld outlining his desire to stay may have just as big an impact.
He has unquestionably been one of the top flight’s best centre-backs since his arrival, and keeping him would arguably be a major statement from Tottenham about the direction they are going in.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
