Tottenham forward Erik Lamela has stated he finally feels at home at White Hart Lane.
Having signed for the club back in 2013 as a record signing of around £30m, the Argentine had a tough first season in English football, playing under both Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood. Lamela struggled with injury and form, but started to find his feet under new boss Mauricio Pochettino during the 2014-15 season.
He was instrumental in Tottenham's aggressive pressing play last season and scored 11 goals in 44 appearances for the club, his best haul so farin English football.
"If I can't always play well, I will always run and work for the team."
➡� @ErikLamela on his form and hard work - https://t.co/brpv6MLH2U pic.twitter.com/za67f3Fvj0
Speaking to Tottenham's official club website, Lamela admitted that while the beginning was tough, he is now reaping the rewards.
At the beginning it was very tough, arriving in England, another style of football, another country, another language,� said Lamela, who is currently away on international duty.
I was injured for a long time as well. That was difficult. I played for three months but then I was injured for seven months.
I feel well now. I feel good at the training ground and after training, I go home and it feels like home. That's important. I'm always focused. I'm happy and that helps on the pitch."
More recently,Lamela missed a penalty which could have calmed the nerves around White Hart Lanein Tottenham's 2-0 win over Manchester City, but Lamela insisted that, good form or not, he willalways give everything for the team.
I try to do my best every game and if I can't always play well, I try to run and run and always help the team.We always need to show that we want to win.
I always look for the team first. If the team wins, I'm happy. If I play well but we don't get three points, my feeling isn't good.The most important thing is always to win.�