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Harry Kane can emulate Francesco Totti, says Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino

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Harry Kane can emulate Francesco Totti and become a one-club hero at Tottenham, according to Mauricio Pochettino

Harry Kane can emulate Francesco Totti and become a fans' hero by spending his entire career at one club, according to his manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Totti spent his whole career with Roma, and retired at the end of last season at the age of 40, after 28 years with his hometown club.

He made nearly 800 appearances and won Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the World Cup during his illustrious career.

Totti was given an emotional send-off after Roma's final game of last season at the Stadio Olimpico. He gave an address to the Roma fans, during which fans and players were seen to be in tears.

Pochettino believes that Kane could replicate Totti's achievements after being inspired by the scenes in Rome after Totti's final game.

He said: "Harry Kane was so emotional when he saw the last game of Totti in Rome, that he only played for one club. What I said is maybe Harry Kane can have the same career as Totti.

Francesco Totti retired at the end of last season after making 786 appearances for Roma.
Image: Totti retired at the end of last season after making 786 appearances for Roma

"He enjoys Tottenham a lot. He comes from the academy and his identity is with the club. He's a player who gets inspired to score goals and to play for Tottenham, and he loves the shirt.

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"He identifies with Tottenham values and I hope, for us and the supporters, that he stays with us for a long time, because he is a great player and a great professional."

Newspaper reports in Spain have suggested that Real Madrid - who Tottenham play in the Champions League on Tuesday - could attempt to prise Kane away from north London. Real manager Zinedine Zidane also hailed Kane as the "complete player".

However, Pochettino believes Kane is happy to stay with the club he joined in 2004, and that his striker is ready to perform as Tottenham enter the Bernabeu.

He said: "The most important thing is that he's happy in Tottenham. Who knows where we'll be in the future. He enjoys Tottenham a lot. He comes from the academy and his identity is with the club.

Image: Kane was inspired by watching Totti's final game

"We all agree with the previous appearances that everyone is talking about. He is one of the best forwards in the world. It's difficult to speak about first, second, third position, but he is one of the best.

"He's playing very well and the potential to grow is great. He's still very young. He still has lots of chance to improve.

"He is calm and relaxed. Players that have the quality and feel they are good enough, they are not nervous, against Real or Bournemouth. They are a warrior. They want to win. On Tuesday it's about being ready, and the performance; fighting, everyone, for three points."

Kane has scored 11 goals in 10 appearances for Tottenham this season, including five in the Champions League to help his side to two wins from two games in the competition.

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Real have also won their first two group games, and their clash with Spurs could have a large bearing on who tops Group H.

Pochettino reckons the Madrid clash is an opportunity for Tottenham to show how far they have come in Europe.

He said: "We have a young team that does not have too much experience at this level. This last step, so to speak, that seems to be quite close, but is difficult to reach, it's a great chance for us to see our capability at mental level, as well as physical and tactical level."

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