Erik Lamela made his long awaited return last night from the injury that according to the London Evening Standard he feared had ended his career.
Erik underwent double hip surgery in the spring and during his recovery had to return to Buenos Aires on compassionate leave after his brother was seriously injured in an accident.
The article adds that last night’s 2-1 defeat at Leicester was his first appearance since October 2016 and he made an immediate impact when coming on as a 77th-minute substitute.
It adds we were trailing 2-0, it took less 3 minutes and three touches for the Argentine to set up Harry Kane’s goal with a cute through ball, the article also adds Lamela was also at the heart of our best opportunity for an equaliser, only for substitute Fernando Llorente to aim for the stars and blaze Serge Aurier’s cross into the stands from close range.
During his 13 months on the sidelines, Lamela’s future was questioned and the article adds that Spurs and Argentina legend Ricky Villa claimed in September there were concerns he would not play again.
It says he was asked if he had feared for his own future, Lamela said: “Of course. In really bad times you always think the worst. But my family was always with me and the supporters wanted me on the pitch.
Lamela added “They bring me energy to work every day and to never give up. Today I’m here because I really wanted it and when you really want something you can do it.
“I feel good to be back on the pitch but disappointed at the result. Of course, I can get much better. The past 13 months were crazy, it was probably the worst time of my life. I really wanted to play but my injury took too long.
Lamela was also glad of the support from the club. He added: “The manager and all the staff were amazing. They were always with me, behind me. People wanted me back and I was only focused on it. My family was always with me, my girlfriend always pushing me to be back. And of course it was hard to be so long out but it’s football.”
The article also says that Lamela, who joined us for £30million from AS Roma in 2013, heads into the final year of his contract next summer however he insisted he has not turned his attentions to earning a new one.
“I don’t want to think about it.” he said. “After a long time [out] I want the best for my club and of course I want the best for me.”
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