Aaron has aided so many people
TOTTENHAM manager Mauricio Pochettino has hailed former player Aaron Lennon as an inspiration to the world.
The Everton winger, 30, was sectioned under the Mental Health Act last May but has not only put his problems behind him, he has talked openly about the issues.
Now Pochettino believes Lennon has helped mental illness sufferers inside and outside the game thanks to his bravery.
Lennon, who spent 10 years at White Hart Lane, is now an Everton regular since his problems of last spring.
“Always when a public person like Aaron is talking so openly, it is always very helpful to many people around who might have the same problem,” said Pochettino.
“The fact Aaron spoke publicly about the issue can inspire people around the world, through him or through his behaviour, to get some help. Because Aaron spoke publicly that there are a lot of people ready to help people with temporary mental issues it’s good for him to get the love from the fans and inspire people to get the same help and talk about it.
“Not only in football, it’s general society. But not everybody is strong enough to talk publicly about their own situation.”
While Spurs fans will be keen to see Lennon today, their eyes will also be on Harry Kane as he bids to become the club’s all-time record Premier League scorer. And Pochettino feels Kane can beat all club records, including Jimmy Greaves’ overall goalscoring feat.
Kane has 96 league goals, one behind Teddy Sheringham, but his overall total of 125 is a long way behind Greaves’ 266. “Of course he is going to break all the records,” Pochettino said of Kane, who was confirmed as Premier League player of the month for December yesterday. “Sure. For me his quality, mentality and professionalism is top. “I hope, with having luck with injuries, he will break every record. “It will be difficult for him to beat Greaves but he is still so young. He is 24 and can play ten or 12 years more. “No other player does more than him. Harry is happy. He loves Tottenham. Everyone wants to win at the place you love. For Harry it is special.” Spurs meet Everton for the first time since missing out on signing England midfielder Ross Barkley who joined Chelsea for £15million instead.
Pochettino gave a firm “no comment” when asked if Tottenham had been outbid by their west London rivals or just pulled out.
He knows signing players or offering a new contract is not what it was.
“Of course it’s a business and there are too many people involved in business,” he said.
“It is more professional than 30 or 40 years ago. Every player is like a company.”