FORGOTTEN man Emerson Royal has spoken out amid the uncertainty of his future at Tottenham.
The Brazil star has been linked to an exit this summer after falling out of favour with Ange Postecoglou‘s squad.
After a dismal season at Spurs, the 25-year-old defender made just 22 appearances – mainly from the bench – this term.
And now the Brazilian is lined up to exit the North London side this summer amid interest from AC Milan and Al-Nassr.
Speaking on his future at Tottenham told EPTV: “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. I was upset and told the coach about it.
“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 I want to go somewhere where I can play.”
Last week, Milan made an offer for Royal but it was immediately rejected by Tottenham who are looking for a fee of around £16m.
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According to reporter Ben Jacobs the full-back joining Milan “is a possibility” but Al-Nassr have also joined the race.
The Saudi Arabian club’s interest should enable Spurs to secure the price they are looking for, Jacobs reported.
Royal’s lack of game time this season meant he was left out of Brazil’s Copa America squad – which he hopes to return to next term.
He added: “We are talking. I want to play for the Brazilian national team, to play in a World Cup.
“In recent years I have always been called up, with Tite, with Diniz. But I understand that if you don’t play for the club it is unlikely that you will play for the national team.
“So I have to look for new places or, if I stay at Tottenham, get a good offer to play. We will see what is best for me and for everyone else.”
Tottenham signed Royal on a five-year deal for £25.8 million from Barcelona on the final day of the 2021 summer transfer window.
But a number of injuries have plagued his time at Spurs and led his right-back spot to be replaced with Pedro Porro.