HARRY KANE has denied refusing to train and declared he will not go on strike to force a move away from Tottenham.
The wantaway England captain, who is wanted by Manchester City, extended his break by flying to Florida this week.
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Kane, 28, had already left Spurs chairman Daniel Levy fuming after he failed to report at Hotspur Way for Covid-19 testing on Monday in a bid to force through his £160million move to City.
But Tottenham were also believed to be dismayed at Kane’s decision to extend his holiday after the striker was told, like all his team-mates, that overseas trips needed to take into account Government quarantine rules.
However, now he has released a statement declaring he does not want to ruin his relationship with supporters and will return to training tomorrow.
It read: “It’s almost ten years since I made my Spurs debut. For every one of those years, you – the fans – have shown me total support and love.
“That’s why it hurts to read some of the comments that have been made this week, questioning my professionalism.
“While I won’t go into the specifics of the situation, I want to clarify that I would never, and have never, refused to train. I will be returning to the club tomorrow, as planned.
“I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise the relationship I have with the fans who have given me such unwavering support during my time with the club.
“This has always been the case as it is today.”
Kane faces the prospect of having to submit a formal transfer request in order to seal a move to the Premier League champions.
INTERNAL DISCUSSION
New Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo broke the club’s silence on the situation by admitting he still hasn’t spoken to his star – and that the club need to sort out the mess quickly.
Kane has not been in contact with his manager since staying on in Florida for three days.
And speaking after the 2-2 pre-season friendly draw with Chelsea, the Portuguese coach said: “The answer I will give you is I expect to speak with Harry soon and I haven’t had the chance yet.
“It is not that I don’t want to comment, what I believe is all this issue related to Harry I believe we should discuss internally among us and try to avoid any kind of public argument or discussion about it.
“We have to focus on what is important. We have to solve the situation but first between us.
“We solve the situation internally with the club. Speaking and trying to reach a better solution and conclusion to this situation.
“All pre-season for all clubs has been hard in terms of preparation, I know this is a different aspect.
“I know it is different circumstances but it has been very hard for everybody.”
‘OF COURSE, WE’LL TRY’
City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted he is ‘very interested’ in signing Kane.
But the Spaniard has warned the North London club that if they are not prepared to negotiate, the deal is ‘finished’.
Chairman Daniel Levy remains adamant he will not sell the England captain for under £160m, with City unlikely to be willing to pay that much.
They have of course just shelled out £100m to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.
Speaking about the possibility of bringing in another £100m-plus man, Guardiola said: “Harry Kane is an exceptionally talented striker and of course, we’re very interested.
“But if Tottenham don’t want to sell… Of course, we’ll try.”
But then, hinting that Spurs are playing hardball, the former Barcelona gaffer added: “If Tottenham don’t want to negotiate, it is finished.
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“If they want to negotiate, many clubs would like to sign him.
“We are not an exception. We are very interested in him.”
To complicate things further, Spurs and City kick off their Premier League campaigns against each other next Sunday.
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