Last weekend, we covered claims from Italy that Tottenham Hotspur have rejected AC Milan’s formal offer for Emerson Royal.
On Wednesday, Gazzetta dello Sport reported the Serie A side’s next appointment with Spurs could be key for them to sign the right-back this summer.
Last season, he made 24 appearances for Tottenham, of which five of them were in his preferred right-back position.
Speaking to EPTV reporter Rodrigo Castro, relayed by Globo Esporte, the 25-year-old said he’s not happy with the role he had under Ange Postecoglou.
The Brazilian has requested the north London club to let him leave if he can’t be assured regular playing time, in order to help him regain his place in the national team. Seleção manager Dorival Júnior didn’t include him in the squad for the Copa América.
“I’ve always made it clear. Every player likes to play. I’m very competitive. It bothers me a lot to be on the bench,” he said.
“I was upset and said so to the coach. But I’ve always been very professional. I’ve always been one of those who put the most intensity into training, but this situation doesn’t work for me, so I don’t know what my future will be.
“I’m not a player who sits on the bench. I want to play. If it’s not here, I understand. But let me go somewhere where I can play.”
“But I understand that those who don’t play for the club rarely play for the national team. So, I have to look for new opportunities or, if I stay at Tottenham, have a good offer to play. Let’s see what’s best for me and for everyone else.”
The Rossoneri have been credited with an interest in the Tottenham player for months and it was no surprise that Castro asked him about these links.
Responding to that, Emerson explained: “It’s a very special moment. To know that teams of this calibre want me. It was special when Barcelona came after me, I realised a dream. Milan is a reference point for us Brazilians. But I still don’t know about the future. I hope I can play again and join the national team.”
Emerson’s contract lasts until 2026, but if he were to leave Tottenham this summer, the fullback says he’ll miss his teammate and compatriot, Richarlison.
