Harry Winks did not feel the urge to make the two-hour journey to Milan and watch Tottenham playing in the Champions League.
His head is firmly inside Sampdoria. His mind is fixed on the task of keeping them afloat in Serie A, repaying their faith and patience. And, having spent the first half of a season on loan fighting back from injury, on his own determination to bring his game back to the boil.
'From the club's perspective, I really hope we can stay up,' Winks told Sportsmail. 'It's a difficult task but we definitely believe.