Tottenham striker Freddie Kanoute says he has not done anything wrong in choosing to play for Mali in the African Nations Cup. Kanoute will miss several games with Spurs still languishing in the bottom half of the Premiership.
"It was not a difficult decision to make," said Kanoute. "I didn't choose Mali as a second best option, I am not an opportunist.
"I have done everything officially. Spurs thought I would change my mind.
"To start with, the Tottenham management didn't seem to grasp it and thought it would blow over.
"They have tried to hold me back to the last minute, until the day before the game." Spurs caretaker-boss David Pleat was delighted after his side beat Leeds at Elland Road but claimed he was never worried they might get relegated.
"I'm delighted to win what was a very important game for us and it makes us feel much better," said Pleat.
"But I had never thought about relegation. No-one here had thought about relegation.
"I read about it and it has been predicted, but strangely enough the season lasts for 38 games."
MMIX
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The problem now is a gap has developed and that's very disappointing 
