ERIK: IDLE IDOL

Lamela spent 13 months out injured, fearing for his future... now he’s back, a key man for Spurs and he’s loving it

hurts when you are injured. But what got me through it was the desire to get back playing. But I always gave my best, as much as I could, to come back.

“I never stopped thinking about coming back to play or to train. I knew I would come back in the end but, after a long day, after a long time, you don’t always have the energy or motivation to work.

“It makes you appreciate every day that much more. It’s also made me mentally stronger.”

It means this season’s highlights feel even more special. Lamela, who will wear a pair of custom boots this weekend to celebrate the launch of EA’S latest title, Anthem, played a key role from the bench as Spurs snatched an unlikely result in Barcelona in December to reach the knock-out stages and played in both legs against Borussia Dortmund.

Argentine Lamela added: “We have a lot of games and you know that sometimes you will start, sometimes not, but the important thing is to do what you need to do for the team.

“I feel good, now the most important part of the season is coming as we reach the end and I’m working to be ready. We all need to be ready.

“We are very strong mentally, together as a team, we have a very good team and have had a good season in the Premier League. I hope we can go further in the Champions League, too.

“We’ve shown our spirit because we’ve won a lot of games late on – in the last minute.

“We showed our spirit at Fulham away, Watford at home. These are the games that, at the end of the season, the points will be very important.”