Paul Robinson: ‘Gentleman’ Hugo Lloris must not face ‘quiet exit out the backdoor’ amid departure talks
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Paul Robinson has urged Tottenham to give Hugo Lloris a proper send-off and not allow the long-serving goalkeeper to leave with a “quiet exit through the backdoor”.
Former skipper Lloris appears on the verge of an exit from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium having said earlier this summer that it was the “end of an era” and that he “desires other things” away from the Lilywhites (The Guardian, 3 June).
Guglielmo Vicario has emerged as first-choice goalkeeper after joining from Empoli, with Lloris linked with a move to Serie A, though RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins has claimed the Frenchman has declined a three-year deal to join Lazio.
It has also been reported Lloris could face a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Roma, with Tribal Football claiming on 28 August that his former Spurs boss was “keen” on the move.
Wherever Lloris ends up, Robinson thinks that Lloris, who has spent 11 seasons at the club making two League Cup finals and famously the 2019 Champions League final, has been an outstanding servant even if his form has declined in recent seasons.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “The thing for me with Lloris, he’s been a fantastic servant for the club and I’ve enjoyed watching him over the years. He’s been a great captain for the club and a great leader in the dressing room, at times.
“He has been susceptible to mistakes, but over the period of time, his longevity and the service that you’ve given the club is unquestionable.
“Whoever picks him up next will get a World Cup-winning goalkeeper and a fantastic gentleman, somebody who’s very dedicated to his profession and who served his time at Tottenham very, very well.“
Lloris is a World Cup winner with France but, despite several near misses, trophies have eluded the veteran keeper at Tottenham.
The 36-year-old has certainly dipped in form over the past few seasons and the errors have become more frequent in a Spurs shirt.
But Robinson is of the opinion that Lloris deserves a very fond farewell from the club.
He added: “The disappointing thing for me with Hugo would be if he was to leave the club without playing a last game, I don’t think he would get the send-off that he deserves.
“His contribution and service to the club deserve a little bit more of a send-off than a quiet exit out the back door at the end of the window.
“Yes, there’s been times where he’s been criticised, but that’s the ups and downs of being a footballer. If you sum up his overall career for Tottenham, it’s one that’s been extremely successful.”
In other Tottenham news, Davinson Sanchez must depart the club after what happened against Fulham.