In-form Spurs man reveals he ‘didn’t come close’ to leaving in January despite rumours

Matt Doherty has insisted he was never close to leaving Tottenham during the January transfer window. 

Doherty has been revitalised at wing-back under Antonio Conte, with his latest display from the left flank yielding a goal and an assist in Spurs’ 5-1 demolition of Newcastle. 

But the Republic of Ireland international’s stint in north London since sealing a move from Wolves in 2020 has been tough for the most part, having struggled to adapt under Conte’s predecessors Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo. 

And while Doherty was tipped to be heading towards the exit at Spurs during the winter – including a return to former side Wolves (Football Insider) – the 30-year-old admits a route out of the club was never an option for him as he continues his upward trajectory. 

He said (via Football.London): “I didn’t come close, I never had a conversation, nothing was ever said to me. From my point of view, I was led to believe that I wasn’t going anywhere. 

“I don’t know if that’s the case, that is what my point of view was. You have thoughts at times that it wasn’t working out, I just decided that I wanted to train hard and I wanted to play here.

“Why would I want to go anywhere apart from Tottenham? I thought if I keep training hard and I keep doing what the manager wants the opportunity would come and it would be up to me to grasp the opportunity and at the moment I seem to be doing that well.”

Doherty’s role in the thrashing of Newcastle has helped lift Tottenham into the Premier League top four ahead of Arsenal, who travel to Crystal Palace on Monday night. 

Spurs will look to consolidate their push for the Champions League when they travel to Aston Villa next Saturday. 

Spurs Web Opinion 

Doherty’s impact in recent weeks has been so good and it is great to see him playing with confidence for a stretch of games. 

While long-term there is a question mark on his quality, but for now he is doing a solid job of being a threat from out wide and he seems to be enjoying that. 

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