Dier glad to be back after ‘unique experience’

Eric Dier is fully appreciating the first steps back to ‘normality’ this week and his return to train at Hotspur Way.

The Premier League announced on Monday a return to small group training from Tuesday - Step One of the Return to Training Protocol enables squads to train while maintaining social distancing. Contact training is not yet permitted.

Members of the first team squad have been able to use the pitches at Hotspur Way for individual running sessions on a strict rotational basis since 28 April.

Speaking about driving back through the gates and stepping back onto the pitches at our world-class training complex, Eric told us: “It’s been great. You really appreciate our training centre when you get back in there!

“We’ve had some great weather and it’s been really enjoyable to get back on the ball and back outside on the training pitches. It’s completely different to what we’ve been able to do at home during lockdown.

“It’s also been really nice to be able to see people again - from afar! This has been a very strange experience. Normally our relationship with each other, the club, the staff, is very intense.

“We see each other every day, compete against each other every day and experience all the highs and lows with each other. So, not to see each other in these circumstances has been a unique experience.

“Since a very young age, we’ve all been used to being able to play football and to be with those people. Now, suddenly, I’ve gone six, seven weeks without seeing Jan Vertonghen! That’s starting to take its toll!

“From all the lads I’ve spoken to, everyone is okay, everyone has handled the situation well but we’re all just desperate to get back to playing football now.”