Whenever there is an international break, there is also a 99% chance that Hugo Lloris, normally so quiet, gives an interview to someone in the French media.
Rarely saying anything controversial, the Tottenham goalkeeper remains fully professional, and talks first and foremost about the team rather than himself.
Even when asked, like on Friday by Le Parisien, if he feels he is in one of the best moments of his career, the player, instead of answering ‘yes’, the Spurs captain feels the need to include others when talking about his success.
One of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, the Tottenham star explained that two particular moments helped shape him into the player he is today.
He said: “There are two important moments in my career. The first was when I signed at Lyon in 2008, where I spent four years with Joël Bats. He’s the one who taught me about the biggest expectations, reach the French team and stay there.
“Then came the meeting with Mauricio Pochettino and Tony Jimenez, the goalkeeping coach. They’re the ones who helped me develop the skills of the modern goalkeeper and become more complete. At Tottenham, the keeper is the first to start attacks, and we take risks. I can’t hide it. I’m happy at the moment.”
The 30-year-old Tottenham captain has been so good over the past year that France Football felt the obligation to include him in their shortlist for the 2016 Ballon d’Or after the award returned to the French magazine.
Asked about it, the goalkeeper revealed the news came as a ‘satisfaction and sort of recognition’ for what he has done, but that it wouldn’t change him.
He’ll just use it as an extra incentive to get even better.
