Erik Lamela has revealed he feared his career was over during a 13-month injury lay-off that required double hip surgery. The Tottenham forward made his emotional return as a substitute in last night's 2-1 defeat at Leicester City, setting up Harry Kane's goal within 132 seconds of coming on.
The 25-year-old Argentine underwent the surgery in the spring and also had to take compassionate leave to return to Buenos Aires after his brother was seriously injured in an accident. Lamela admitted the period was 'probably the worst time of my life'.
'Of course, in really bad times you always think the worst,' Lamela said. 'But my family was always with me and the supporters wanted me on the pitch. They bring me energy to work every day and to never give up.'
Lamela's return was a rare bright spot for Spurs, who have taken just four points from their last five Premier League matches. He insisted he remains confident in the team's quality and is not thinking about his contract, which enters its final year next summer.
