Spurs academy graduate reveals why he had to leave to rediscover his joy
In a candid reflection on his career, Harry Winks shares how he recognised the need to leave Tottenham Hotspur and rediscover his passion for football, offering an honest look at the challenges and growth that shaped his journey.
A career defined by early promise
For Harry Winks, football always seemed to be a linear path filled with promise and achievement. By the age of 23, the midfielder had already won 10 caps for England, started in a Champions League final, and was a vital part of Tottenham Hotspur’s midfield setup. Yet, somewhere along the way, the dream he had nurtured since childhood began to unravel.
Winks, who joined Spurs’ academy at the tender age of five, had been part of the club for nearly two decades. The highs of playing at the top level for the team he grew up supporting eventually gave way to the harsh realities of injuries and managerial changes. Once a key player, Winks saw his role diminish over time, culminating in a crossroads that would define his career.
When he made the bold decision to leave England’s top tier for a stint in Serie A, eyebrows were raised. To some, it was a step backwards for the midfielder who had been a fixture at Tottenham, but for Winks, it was an opportunity to reboot his career and rediscover what he loved most about the game.
“I knew it was time”: Harry Winks opens up
Reflecting on his departure from Spurs, Winks spoke candidly about the emotions and events that led to his move. Injuries and a revolving door of managers had worn him down, leaving him questioning his place within the club he once called home.
In an exclusive interview with the DailyMail, he said: “I found myself at the back end of my Tottenham career getting a little bit bitter,’ Winks admits. ‘You know that feeling that as an academy player when it’s always easier to drop you. The fans are the first ones to blame you if the team isn’t doing well.
“You get to that point when you are in a bit of a rut and you need to get back to being positive and playing well and enjoying football again.
“When you have been in the football industry for a while, you start to learn how it actually works. It’s not my football club. They don’t owe me anything. It’s business.
“There is always gonna be that transitional period where it’s difficult to take. But when you start to feel a bit bitter and you are blaming each other then it’s time to part ways. I knew it was time and the club knew and that meant it was amicable and that’s great because I didn’t want any hard feelings.
“The club had been amazing for me. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for Tottenham. Thankfully it’s worked out for me.’
Winks loved Italy, despite rolling his ankle in his very first training session. Surgery followed. “I wanted people to look at me and realise I was happy to travel and do what’s best for my career,’ he explains. ‘Overall I had a great experience out there.”
The rebirth of Harry Winks away from Tottenham
Winks’ journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football careers and the importance of taking bold steps when faced with adversity. The midfielder’s story also underlines the value of perseverance and adaptability, traits that have brought him back into the spotlight after what seemed like a career downturn.
For Leicester fans, Winks’ resurgence is symbolic of the team’s own revival, with his presence in midfield offering both composure and leadership. As the midfielder continues to prove his worth, his second coming not only benefits his new club but also highlights the resilience needed to rebuild and thrive in the world of professional football.
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