I don’t want to be a nice boy —Dele Alli

TOTTENHAM midfielder Dele Alli insists he will never apologise for his aggressive streak but says he has calmed down this season.

Another excellent campaign has established Alli among Europe’s brightest young talents but doubts remain around the 20-year-old’s temperament.

His rash challenge, and subsequent red card, against Gent last month effectively cost Tottenham their place in the Europa League while punching West Brom’s Claudio Yacob last year saw him banned for three matches.

“I think I’ve definitely calmed down a bit but it’s important, I’m never going to take that out of my game,” Alli said.

“I’m never going to say sorry for wanting to win or trying as hard as I can but things happen and you have to learn from them. I always want to win.

“The manager knows that’s who I am. He knows I’m not going to change no matter what. We’ve had a few talks and he’s been very supportive so it’s nice to have a manager that backs you like he does.

“I’m still young, I’m 20 years old, there will always be lots of up and downs in football, that’s the way it is, But when things don’t go my way I’ve just got to try to learn from them and keep improving.”