Harry Kane finally won a trophy in his 15-year career after Bayern Munich beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 to lift the Visit Malta Cup on Saturday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the England captain refused to celebrate the pre-season silverware with his teammates.
Bayern won the friendly with goals from Dayot Upamecano, Serge Gnabry, and veteran German footballer Thomas Muller after Dejan Kulusevski had put Spurs ahead under one minute.
Kane entered the game in the 80th, replacing Joshua Kimmich and taking the captain’s armband, and was given a standing ovation by the home fans.
Kulusevski was on the score sheet again in the 62nd minute as the German powerhouse held on to win 3-2.
However, in what appears to be an act of loyalty and respect for his former side where he scored 280 goals in 445 matches, the striker refused to lift the trophy and did not celebrate with his teammates.
The Tottenham all-time top goal scorer was presented with a special commemorative gift by fellow club legend Ledley King before the match alongside Eric Dier, who also left Spurs to join Bayern Munich.
“I am so used to coming here as the home player, so it was strange and putting this shirt on, being in the away dressing room, but I like to enjoy these occasions,” Kane said.
“I had an amazing career at Spurs, so many great memories and it’s just great to see the fans again, so many players and staff I have a lot of relationships with.
“The game itself, I probably shouldn’t have been playing. I only trained yesterday but I was always going to play 10 minutes and it was good.
“Everything was really rushed through last year, so we didn’t have a chance [to say goodbye], but it was great way to say thank you to all of them.
“The reception I got was amazing and [it was] great to clap them around the pitch after, those who stayed behind, and I will always be thankful for every Spurs fan for the support they’ve given me through my whole career. It’s been incredible.”
Video footage showed goalkeeper Manuel Neuer raising the cup with Kane seen clapping during the celebration.
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