Destiny Udogie’s agent Stefano Antonelli has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur did not grant his client permission to be a part of Italy’s side in this international break.
The 20-year-old has been a revelation in the Premier League this season. He has been amazing for Spurs at left-back, and he’ll soon become a regular in the Italian national side as well. However, his dream of representing his nation this week was blocked by Tottenham.
Tottenham did not allow Destiny Udogie to go on international duty
Tottenham signed Destiny Udogie from Udinese last year for an initial fee of £15 million (Sky Sports).
The Italian was sent back to Stadio Friuli for a season on loan, and he had a great campaign there. He made his move to Spurs in the summer and has established himself as a key player under Ange Postecoglou in the Premier League.
Udogie also made his international debut for Italy last month, and he was set to be a part of Luciano Spalletti’s side again for their games against North Macedonia and Ukraine in this international break.
The young defender was desperate to play for Italy this week and apparently pleaded with Spurs to let him go. However, Tottenham felt it was too big of a risk for him to play following a recent knock, so they denied permission.
Udogie’s agent, Stefano Antonelli, has now had his say on the situation.
He told TMW: “The first to be sorry is Spalletti.
“Unfortunately, in the match against Sheffield United at home, Destiny had a flexor problem. Tottenham did everything they could to get him back for the Chelsea game, which was also a poor match: he played 60 minutes before being sent off.
“Afterwards, it was deemed appropriate not to risk it as there would be been a risk of relapse. Destiny, until the last moment, tried to convince the Tottenham staff that the national team was something exceptional for him.
“He is a 20-year-old who told me, ‘we want to be part of history, to be part of this group in the run-up of the Euros is to be part of history’.”
Tottenham are right to keep Udogie in London
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham suffered two massive injury blows last week.
James Maddison and Micky van de Venhobbled off the pitch and it was later confirmed that they’ll both be out of action until next year.
The last thing Tottenham need right now is another injury, and Udogie, who already has a knock, should be protected as much as possible.
So, Spurs were absolutely right to reject his plea. Udogie will get plenty more opportunities to play for Italy in the coming months and years, but the priority now is for him to stay injury-free.
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