Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has thanked his critics for inspiring him to put his calamity days behind him.
Stopper eyeing cup glory
Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes says he has put his error-ridden performances behind him - and thanked his doubters for spurring him on.
Gomes arrived at Spurs in 2008 but endured a torrid season with the London club, a string of high-profile errors leading many to question the £7.8m paid to PSV Eindhoven for the Brazilians services.
But the 28-year-old has been revitalised under the stewardship of Harry Redknapp and has kept 10 clean sheets in a campaign that sees Tottenham pushing for a top four place.
The keeper revealed he was hurt by the criticism he received following the gaffes, and admitted he played the majority of last season through the pain barrier.
Gomes collided with defender Alan Hutton during training prior to a defeat to Stoke, a game made famous by the keeper's nasty collision with team mate Vedran Corluka.
The stopper hit back at his critics ahead of his side's FA Cup fifth round clash with Bolton and thanked his doubters for fuelling his desire to succeed.
He told the
Sunday Times: "I'd like to thank everybody who has helped me; the fans always supported me and never left me aside. But I also thank the people who said bad things about me.
"Some things were over the top - I saw a programme where they said I was a 'shocking goalkeeper' - yet somehow they spurred me on.
"I never wanted to prove anything to anybody but when people say such things you feel like showing them.
"I still have a lot of things to do for Tottenham. If you succeed in a league like this nobody is going to stop you."
Gomes now has his eye on winning silverware for Redknapp's side, adding to a trophy collection that saw him collect four Eredivisie titles whilst with Eindhoven.
He added: "It's a great opportunity for us to lift a trophy.
"Since I started playing, until last year I've lifted at least one cup a year: 14 trophies in seven years. I'd love to lift one for Tottenham."
