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Harry Kane has credited his historic Ballon d’Or triumph to years of hard work, personal sacrifice and the brilliant decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur.
The England captain, who became the first Englishman to win the prestigious award since Michael Owen in 2001, admitted that while dedication and perseverance had played an important role in his success, leaving Spurs had ultimately proved decisive.
‘People only see the trophies and individual awards, but they don’t see the sacrifices you make behind the scenes’, Kane told Paddy Power News.
‘The early mornings, the extra training sessions. And, of course, the courage it takes to walk away from a club where winning absolutely nothing is considered a successful season’.
Kane, who spent 19 years at Tottenham without winning a major trophy, described his move to Bayern Munich as a turning point in his career.
‘I’d spent my whole life believing that if you worked hard enough, eventually you’d win something. Turns out you also need to play for a football club that wins things’.
Accepting the award in Paris, an emotional Kane paid tribute to those who had helped him reach the pinnacle of world football.
‘First of all, I’d like to thank my beautiful wife Kate, my family, the fans who’ve supported me throughout my career, and, of course, whoever invented the Bundesliga.
‘Without them, none of this would have been possible.
‘I’d also like to thank Tottenham Hotspur for making me the player I am today, and Bayern Munich for finally allowing that player to win something’.
The 33-year-old also offered some advice to aspiring young footballers hoping to follow in his footsteps.
‘Never give up on your dreams. Work hard, stay humble, believe in yourself and, if Daniel Levy offers you a ten-year contract, get your agent to check for an escape clause’.
Meanwhile, Tottenham officials congratulated their former striker on his achievement, describing it as further evidence of the club’s ability to develop world-class talent.
The club is reportedly considering adding Kane’s Ballon d’Or to its official honours list, alongside the Audi Cup and a particularly encouraging pre-season victory over Juventus in 2019.
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