Catania star turned down Spurs move

The 30-year-old has been a key player for Catania since joining the club from Argentinian side Newell’s Old Boys in 2009.

He told La Sicilia: “At the end of last season I met with the president. I told him, if he agreed, that I would like to stay in Catania. The team knew my desire – it was not news when we received the request from Tottenham.

“In Catania I’m fine, it’s a beautiful city. When you have free time it is amazing to be able to enjoy both Mount Etna and the sea.”