Serge Aurier has acknowledged that he was hoping to leave Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window.
Despite frequent speculation regarding his future, the right-back remained at the Premier League outfit, making a total of four outings in England's top flight and the Champions League during the opening two months of the campaign.
However, the Ivory Coast international has admitted that he wanted to move elsewhere in order to secure more first-team football.
While on international duty, the 26-year-old told reporters: "I was looking for an exit, so I couldn't play. When you're trying to move, you can't play because an injury or whatever else can scupper everything.
"I wanted to leave so it was normal for me not to be on the pitch. Beyond that, it's the manager's decision. He's the one who decides what's best for the group.
"Like I've said, the season is long so we'll try and be better going forward and for what comes next. That desire to leave, I think it's a bit normal. I'm an important player of the national team. I'm not 20 anymore and I need to play, to be happy."
Aurier still has just under three years remaining on his contract.
Darren Plant
