Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks has admitted that he feels ‘more wanted’ and ‘more respected’ since his move to Leicester City.
A childhood Spurs fan, things sadly never worked out for Winks at the club despite a bright start to his senior career. Despite being at the club since 2002 and progressing through the academy levels, the midfielder had been dogged by ankle issues since 2016 which has seen him go under the knife on more than one occasion (Evening Standard).
Winks made this Tottenham debut way back on 27th November 2014, in a Europa League clash against FK Partizan. Despite making 203 appearances for the club across all competitions, he struggled to hold down a regular first team place under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino (Transfermarkt).
Last summer, Antonio Conte decided that Winks was no longer in his plans (Football.London) and he was subsequently loaned out to Sampdoria. After a slow start to life in Italy due further ankle issues, Winks grew into his role as the season went on but was unable to help the Serie A side avoid relegation.
Winks has had an impressive start to life at Leicester, having joined the Foxes on a three-year deal in the summer and in 20 games so far for the Championship side, he has scored two goals, including the winner at West Brom on Saturday. (Transfermarkt).
Most importantly, he has managed to remain fit so far, which has been one of his main challenges in recent years.
(Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Harry Winks feels ‘wanted’ at Leicester City
Speaking to Sky Sports Football (02/12/23 at 3:15 pm) after scoring a stoppage-time winner at the Baggies, Winks has admitted that he feels ‘wanted’ and ‘respected’ Championship leaders and is now enjoying his football once more.
“Leicester is a huge club, anyway, the club speaks for itself. Amazing fanbase and amazing club. It was a massive factor (to join Leicester). The club speaks for itself. I spoke to the manager and the way he wants to play. He is the exact type of football I want to play in. The last few years have been tough, not playing regularly.”
“That’s all I wanted to do. Enjoy my football and play football regularly. Feel wanted. And feel respected. From the minute I have come into this club, I have loved every second of it. It’s probably the most I have enjoyed my football in my whole career really.”
Spurs Musings Opinion
A fully fit Winks was a joy to watch, during his early days under Pochettino. Spurs fans will fondly remember ‘that’ performance away at Real Madrid back in 2017. Sadly, I think his ankle issues played a big part in curtailing what was shaping up to be a promising career.
Winks is now the orchestrator of Enzo Maresca’s Leicester, who are looking to jump back straight up from the Championship. It’s good to see the 27-year-old smiling and enjoying his football again and it’s a shame that things did not work out as expected at the N17.
