Harry Kane: England captain has 'clear conscience' after Manchester City transfer saga

After a summer of speculation about his Tottenham future, Kane said he is now focused on the future.
World Cup 2022 Qualification: Hungary v England Date: Thursday 2 September Kick-off at 19:45 BST. Coverage: Live commentary via BBC Radio 5 Live and text commentary via the BBC Sport website

After a failed move from Tottenham Hotspur to Manchester City, Harry Kane, England's captain, said he is clear of his conscience.

City wanted to sign the 28 year-old who thought he had a gentleman’s agreement with Daniel Levy, to leave Spurs in this summer.

Kane, who is currently on a Spurs contract through 2024, will stay and doesn't think that his reputation has been hurt.

He said, "I have stated before that fans are entitled to express their opinions."

"They may not always get the whole story, but I see it from my perspective and have a clear conscience. I just need to continue doing what I do."

Kane, who is now a member of the England squad in their World Cup qualifying tripleheader against Poland, Andorra, and Hungary, said: "I'm doing all that I'm being asked and asked by the club, and I'm here right now with England.

"I know that everyone wants to know everything about the summer, but I am focused on the future and what's next."

Kane didn't turn up at Tottenham's training grounds for his coronavirus testing at the beginning August, after he helped England to the Euro 2020 delayed final in July.

Later, he released a statement stating that he "never refused" to train. He has since returned to Nuno Espirito Sante's side and scored twice in the Europa Conference League second-leg victory over Pacos de Ferreira.

Kane, after a summer of speculation about his club's future, says that he is open to the possibility that there will be "noise around certain situations" in which a "high-level sportman" might arise.

Kane said, "I believe the best players and those who handle that the most well are the ones who have great careers."

"I realize there is much talk and a lot questions, but I keep my eyes on the things I need to do.

"Obviously, all that happened with the club is between me & the club. That's how it will stay."

Kane will play against Hungary in Budapest on Thursday. This will be England’s first match since the Euro 2020 loss to Italy in a penalty shootout.

Gareth Southgate's team are strong in World Cup qualifying having won a maximum of nine points in the first three games. Kane said that he looks forward to wearing the Three Lions shirt again as they attempt to make a significant step towards the finals in Qatar next year.

Kane said, "We have done well thus far, winning all of our games. We know that if we win three more games in this camp, we will be in an amazing position, looking like it will be close to qualifying next year." Kane won the Golden Boot when England reached the semi-finals in Russia's 2018 World Cup.

"That's the message all around the place. Stay focused. We are striving to improve each year, starting with Russia and ending in the Euros with a semi-final.

"The goal is to improve next year in Qatar but our first thought is qualifying. We know that we have a difficult week ahead.

"I believe that with the lads and mentality we have, we should do it right."