Former Tottenham Hotspur and England right back Kieran Trippier has been back in the news this weekend talking about his departure from Spurs last summer as he headed for Atletico Madrid.
With a serious drop in his own form, a number of fans were pleased to see him move on, but naturally weren’t too chuffed by the fact that we didn’t replace him before the transfer window shut over the summer.
Having already indicated in previous interviews that there were things going on behind the scenes, the 29-year-old has now admitted that he wasn’t fully fit for most of the campaign following the groin injury he picked up whilst on World Cup duty for England, and with the benefit of hindsight, he admitted his “selfish” desire to play games and be involved in our Champions League run, probably wasn’t the best thing for the side overall.
Playing Through Pain - Does This Excuse His Form?
Yes, Somewhat
No
Speaking to the Evening Standard he explained.
“It was difficult. You know you’re not playing well and you’re still getting picked. You’re struggling with injuries which I probably was from October, but I was playing in big games, Champions League games, getting to the final. You want to play in those big games. I was probably a bit selfish at times where I should have taken a step back and thought of the team more. I was just playing through pain and I obviously didn’t have the best of seasons. I’ve admitted that but you know I’m happy I went through the difficult times like that because if it happens again I know how to control it.”
There will be those in the fanbase who like his honesty here and with mixed thoughts on Serge Aurier, will appreciate him playing through the pain barrier, but at some point you have to say enough is enough – with that said, for those who continue to wish Trips well, it does definitely explain his struggles last year and possibly give him an excuse.
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