Jermain Defoe has reiterated his frustration after falling out of favour at Spurs but insists he has never said he wants to leave.
England frontman insists it is a good time to be at Tottenham
Jermain Defoe has reiterated his frustration after falling out of favour at Tottenham but insists he has never said he wants to leave the club.
The striker has slipped down Harry Redknapp's pecking order at White Hart Lane, with the manager preferring on-loan Manchester City hitman Emmanuel Adebayor up front.
After making just seven Premier League starts this season, Defoe has been linked with a move away from North London, with Liverpool thought to be chasing his signature.
But Redknapp has made it clear the England international is not for sale and while the 29-year-old is keen for more game time, he is not targeting a transfer.
Speculation
He told
Sky Sports News: "At the end of the day it's not a case of me saying I want to go here, I'm not playing, I want to leave the club.
"I've been here six years, I've never said that once. I think the fans know that.
"It's just a case of me playing. I could understand if I was 19, 20 and I had time on my hands but I'm 29 now and, like I've always said, all I want to do is play football. It's as simple as that."
Spurs make the trip to Manchester City on Sunday knowing a win could take them within two points of the Premier League leaders.
Adebayor is ineligible to face his parent club, which could open the door for Defoe.
The striker, who has scored seven league goals this season, added: "As it stands I'm a Tottenham player and if I do play against Manchester City I'll be fully committed. I'm sure everyone knows that at the club."
Third-placed Spurs have not lifted the league trophy since 1961 but Defoe believes they are well-positioned to pull off a shock this season.
Not impossible
"I'm going to say what the manager says - it's not impossible," he said. "I think when you really believe anything is possible.
"The way we're playing is fantastic. The chances we're creating, the intensity we're playing at, the way we move the ball; it's just been great.
"It's a good time to be at the club, everyone is enjoying it."
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