Troy Deeney says he is surprised that Harry Kane decided to stay at Tottenham after coming close to joining Manchester City.
The Watford striker, however, thinks he knows why he eventually agreed to remain for at least one more season.
The England captain had told Tottenham that he wanted out before Euro 2020 and was in fine form in the competition.
He looked set to leave when City became interested and they even tabled an offer for him.
Kane was keen to join the Premier League champions and missed the start of Tottenham’s preseason.
He returned late and missed their first two matches. If he thought that would make them eventually sell him, he was wrong as the Lilywhites stood their ground and kept hold of the 28-year-old.
He then stopped fighting and tweeted that he would not leave the club, to the delight of the fans.
Deeney says the reason Kane stayed is that he is not prepared to ruin his Tottenham legacy.
He writes in his The Sun column: “I was surprised by Harry Kane’s announcement he was staying at Tottenham.
“I thought the way it was being handled at the start suggested he was going to go.
“What that says to me is that valuations weren’t met and Kane wasn’t prepared to ruin his legacy to force a move, which is the right thing to do.
“He hasn’t ruined any legacy by what he has done. The only way he would have done that is if he had ‘tried’ to move and then it didn’t materialise.
“There has also been a lot of talk about Kane’s PR team and how they have gone about and handled this move — but they did nothing wrong in my eyes.
“I just don’t really think it’s needed at times. A little bit of honesty is needed.
“If Kane came out and said, ‘Look, I fancied Manchester City because I haven’t won anything yet in my career and I am 28’ — but then also said, ‘I am a Spurs player. I have not indicated at a move but if they could have agreed something I would have left’. I don’t think anyone can argue with that.
“Yet people would still argue, of course, because that’s just the world we live in.”
It’s a farce city have not bought Kane, or any forward. They didn’t need Grealish at all. It’s Agueros long term replacement they need. Like I said, you do as you’re told. They aren’t winning the league this year and had to step aside and let Utd and Chelsea strengthen. Happens every year, like when it was the scousers turn they got the exact 2 players they needed, then a year later, did nothing to strengthen so City could step in. Pantomime.