Jan Vertonghen’s agent clears up Spurs defender’s reaction to FA Cup substitution
Jan Vertonghen’s reaction to being substituted in Tottenham Hotspur’s FA Cup win over Southampton had nothing to do with his future, according to the player’s agent.
The Belgian defender was visibly dejected when taken off just 10 minutes into the second half in Tottenham’s 3-2 FA Cup win over Saints, but his agent explained it was due to his performance and not because of any other issue.
Is Vertonghen’s time with Spurs coming to an end? Five things to know…
- Jan Vertonghen is currently in his eighth season with Tottenham.
- In 2018, he extended his contract with the club until 2020.
- However, he is yet to sign a new deal and expected to will leave the club this summer.
- The defender was pictured emotional after being taken off early against Southampton.
- His agent has denied his reaction to being subbed was anything to do with his future.
Vertonghen appeared dejected when taken off early in the second half in the FA Cup replay against Southampton, with the scoreline level at 1-1.
The Belgian defender later threw his coat to the floor, potentially venting his frustration, but his agent has revealed this reaction was simply down to the player’s disappointment with his own performance and had nothing to do with his contract situation.
“His reaction had nothing to do with his future,” said his agent Tom de Mul.
Speaking to Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, he added: “He was just disappointed when he got subbed off. He was unhappy with his performance against Southampton in the first hour and with the team’s level.”
De Mul went on to confirm Vertonghen’s commitment to Tottenham, despite not yet signing a new contract.
He added: “Jan still wants to achieve great things with Spurs. He wants to qualify for the Europa or Champions League, to win the FA Cup. He is 32, but still very ambitious.
“He is focused. He still has so many targets. The Euros are a super important goal too. Jan is still super happy at Spurs and loves London. He is still very committed.
“There’s a lot of respect for Tottenham, just like there is a lot of respect from the club towards us. That’s logical after eight seasons. There is a connection.”
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Tottenham are still in the hunt for a top-four finish this season despite a poor start to the campaign. Jose Mourinho has seen his side pull within four points of Chelsea who occupy the final Champions League spot.
Spurs face Chelsea in two week’s time at Stamford Bridge but will have to travel to Villa Park before that in order to take on Dean Smith’s Aston Villa.
