Harry Winks has stated that his recent comments about receiving no contact from Tottenham during his Sampdoria loan spell were in regards to the club's plans for next season. Out of favour in N17 and one of four players not in Antonio Conte's thoughts for the 2022/23 season, the midfielder departed the capital at the end of August as he headed to Italy on a season-long loan deal.
Unfortunately missing out through injury in the first 13 league games of his loan spell after having to go under the knife due to an ankle issue, Winks has been a regular in the Sampdoria team since his return midway through January. The Blucerchiati do have the option in their agreement with Spurs to buy the 27-year-old come the summer, although that now looks extremely unlikely with the Genoa-based club currently 12 points adrift of safety and staring relegation to Serie B in the face.
In an interview with Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Winks opened up on his future and revealed that his full focus is on Sampdoria at present as they bid to escape the drop to Serie B. However, he did also mention that he has yet to hear from Conte or anybody at the club since departing almost seven months ago.
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“No one from Tottenham has contacted me, not even the coach," explained the Tottenham academy graduate. "I was and remain totally focused on Sampdoria."
On his Sampdoria loan and what the future holds, he added: "I have a loan contract until June, I'm satisfied with this experience, I don't know what my future will be after June and I don't even think about it now.
"I'm only looking at the next match, but I was pleased to have made this choice last year. I'm proud of it. And I repeat it today, beyond the current difficulties."
Given his comments in the Italian media, Winks took to his Instagram Stories on Thursday afternoon to clarify what he actually said during the interview.
“I just wanted to clarify that my comments about no contact from Spurs were in regards to plans for next season," he revealed. “There are still plenty of games left this season for both and Spurs and this has to be the full focus for both.
“Having been at Spurs since the age of five, I have nothing but respect for everyone at the club.”
Winks has so far made nine appearances for his new club since his move to Italy. A crucial home match against Verona is next on the agenda for Sampdoria on Sunday afternoon.
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