Toby Alderweireld has described Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to leave him out of the Tottenham side last season as “unjustified”.
The defender started just three Premier League games from January onwards, with boss Pochettino choosing the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier ahead of him.
Alderweireld has more recently been involved in the World Cup for Belgium – and says he wanted to prove a point after enduring a disappointing season for his club.
“I was very focused on this tournament,” a number of newspapers have quoted him as saying.
“I wanted to prove something to myself, show that the period before the tournament in which I – for whatever reason – did not play, was unjustified.
“I wanted to show that I’m still Toby, same as in November.”
Alderweireld has been linked with a move this summer, with Manchester United reportedly having an offer for the centre-back rejected by Spurs.
Talks over a new deal appear to have reached a stalemate and the player’s long-term future remains unclear as next month’s transfer deadline approaches.
“I have another two years’ contract,” he said.
“Tottenham decides about my future. Of course I have my own idea, but that is not the case now.”