Hugo Lloris has rubbished comments made by Olivier Giroud, who suggested the goalkeeper could leave Tottenham Hotspur for Arsenal.
Speaking on French television, Gunners forward Giroud claimed his Les Bleus team-mate would be interested in leaving White Hart Lane for the Emirates Stadium if Spurs fail to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League for next season. Such comments are always likely to travel fast, and the interview reached the English capital on Tuesday.
But Lloris, who joined Tottenham from Lyon in the summer of 2012, has wasted little time in dismissing the possibility of him leave his current club for their archrivals. Indeed, the 27-year-old, who has won 54 international caps for his country since debuting in 2008, has taken to the official club website to reveal his embarrassment at the suggestion.
“I heard about that (Giroud’s interview),” said the goalkeeper. “I think maybe some words were twisted, but it is embarrassing. I don’t think that, I’m very focused on Spurs’ ambition and I am very pleased to play for Spurs. I have too much respect for the club and the Spurs fans to think that kind of thing. Of course I know him very well because we are team-mates in the national team but I am a Spurs player and I’m very proud to play here.”
Lloris has made no secret of his desire to play in the Champions League again, having done so for his previous club. And whilst he would love to perform on this stage with his current club, there are sure to be fears in the Spurs camp that there could be serious interest in his signature at the end of the season if they finish outside of the top-four.
A move to Arsenal is obviously out of the question, but The Mirror reported just last week that Barcelona could move for the France international as a replacement for Victor Valdes, who will leave the Camp Nou when his contract expires in the summer. The same tabloid also claims Paris St Germain are willing to offer Lloris a return to his homeland, whilst Atletico Madrid could move for him if Chelsea recall Thibaut Courtois.
