Tottenham striker Harry Kane has hit back at critics saying he has “never refused to train” for the club and will return “as planned” on Saturday.

The England captain came under heavy criticism after missing pre-season tests at Spurs on Monday.

He had instead decided to stay on holiday in the Bahamas before heading to Florida amid transfer interest from Manchester City.

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He defended his actions on Twitter saying: “It’s almost 10 years since I made my Spurs debut. For every one of those years, you – the fans – have shown me total support and love.

“That’s why it hurts to read some of the comments that have been made this week, questioning my professionalism.

“While I won’t go into the specifics of the situation, I want to clarify that I would never, and have never, refused to train.”

He added: “I will be returning to the club tomorrow, as planned.

“I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise the relationship I have with fans who have given me such unwavering support during my time with the club.

“This has always been the case as it is today”.

Kane is expected to be fined by Spurs for failing to show up and it looks as if he will miss out on the Premier League opener with Manchester City on 15 August regardless of his situation, given his lack of match fitness.

Tottenham boss, Nuno Espirito Santo has said he is yet to speak to the 28-year-old but the club wants to solve the issue internally.

He said after his side’s 2-2 pre-season friendly draw with Chelsea on Wednesday: “I believe that all the issues relating to Harry we should discuss internally, among us and try to avoid any kind of public argument or discussion about it.”

Kane wants to leave the club this summer, with Manchester City expressing interest in signing him if Tottenham are willing to negotiate.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said: “Harry Kane is an exceptional, extraordinary striker no doubt about that, of course, we are interested in him, but he is a Tottenham player and if they don’t want to negotiate then there is nothing more to say, if they wanted to then we would try.”

However, Spurs show no sign of selling their prized asset who has three years left on a six-year contract and would need an offer of £150m to even get the chance of negotiations taking place.

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