Harry Kane: The England captain has a clear conscience after the Manchester City transfer story

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Kane says he’s focused on the future after a summer of speculation about his future with Tottenham Where: Puskas Arena, Budapest Date: Thursday, September 2 Kick-off: 19:45 GMT Coverage: Commentary live on BBC Radio 5 Live, text commentary on BBC BBC sports website

England captain Harry Kane said he has a “clear conscience” after his potential move to Manchester City from Tottenham Hotspur failed.

City were keen to sign the 28-year-old, who was believed to have had a gentleman’s agreement with club president Daniel Levy to leave Tottenham this summer.

Kane, who is contracted with Tottenham until 2024, is now staying and does not think his reputation has been damaged.

“I’ve said before that fans have a right to their opinions,” he said.

“Obviously sometimes they don’t understand the whole story of what’s going on, but from my point of view I have a clear conscience, and I [have] I just have to keep doing what I’m doing.”

“I do whatever I’m asked and told to do and I’m here now with England,” added Kane, who was linked with England in a three-way World Cup qualifier against Hungary, Andorra and Poland.

“I know everyone wants to know every situation that happens over the summer, but like I said, I’m focused on what’s to come and the future.”

After helping England reach the Euro 2020 final in July, Kane did not show up as scheduled at Tottenham’s training ground for coronavirus tests at the start of August.

He later released a statement saying he “never refused to train” and has since returned to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, scoring twice in the second leg of the Europa League second leg over Pacos de Ferreira.

After a summer of intense speculation about his club’s future, Kane says he agrees “there will be noises about certain situations” involving a “high-level athlete”.

“I think the best players and the players who handle this the best are the ones who manage to get great tracks,” Kane added.

“I know there are a lot of conversations going on and there are a lot of questions being asked, but I still focus on what I need to do.

“Obviously everything that happened with the club is between me and the club and that’s how it will stay.”

Kane is expected to play Hungary in Budapest on Thursday in England’s first match since losing the Euro 2020 final to Italy on penalties.

Head coach Gareth Southgate’s side are in a strong position in the World Cup qualifiers, with a maximum of nine points from their first three matches. Kane says he is looking forward to rewearing the Three Lions’ jersey as they try to take a big step toward next year’s finals in Qatar.

“We’ve done really well so far winning all of our games, and we know if we win the next three games in this camp we’ll be in great shape, and it looks like we’ll be close to qualifying for next year,” Kane said. He won the Golden Boot as England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“That’s the message all over the place – stay focused. We want to get better year after year, obviously our start in Russia with the semi-finals of the European Championships.

“The goal is to get better next year in Qatar, but the first idea is to qualify and we know we have a tough week ahead.

“I think with the boys we have and the mentality we have, we have to get it right.”

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