Tottenham's Erik Lamela ‘feared career was over’ during 13-month injury battle

Back in action | Erik Lamela
Mike Egerton/PA Wire
Jonathan Hunn29 November 2017

Erik Lamela made an emotional return last night from the injury that he feared had ended his career.

The Tottenham forward 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.

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.

With Spurs trailing 2-0, it took just 132 seconds and three touches for the Argentine to set up Harry Kane’s goal with a cute through ball. Lamela was also at the heart of Spurs’ best opportunity for an equaliser, only for substitute Fernando Llorente to blaze Serge Aurier’s cross into the stands from close range.

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

During 13 months on the sidelines, Lamela’s future was questioned and Spurs legend Ricky Villa - an Argentine who is close to the club’s manager Mauricio Pochettino - claimed in September there were concerns he would not play again.

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.

“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.

“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.”

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Lamela, who joined Spurs for £30million from AS Roma in 2013, will enter the final year of his contract next summer but 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.” Lamela’s comeback was a bright spot in an otherwise worrying night for Spurs, who trailed 2-0 at half-time after brilliant strikes from Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.

Spurs have now taken four points from the past five League matches and if Manchester City beat Southampton tonight they will be closer to the bottom of the table than the top. Lamela said: “I believe 100 per cent in this team, I know the quality that we have.”

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