Luis Binks Reflects on Unconventional Journey to Scotland Squad

Luis Binks, on the cusp of full international recognition with Scotland, described his career journey as "nice, weird, random." His path has been punctuated by encounters with football superstars and surreal experiences, beginning at Tottenham Hotspur.

Born in Kent, Binks progressed through Spurs' academy but opted against signing a professional contract at 17, seeking first-team opportunities elsewhere. When he informed the academy staff of his decision, he was directed to speak with then-manager Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho attempted to persuade the young defender to stay, citing his track record of giving young players opportunities, such as Raphael Varane's debut at Real Madrid. He offered Binks a place in pre-season training, opportunities in cup games, and the possibility of a loan if unsatisfied. However, Binks remained resolute in his decision.

"I was thinking I’m not at Real Madrid and I’m not Varane," Binks explained. "If he had the opportunity to buy a centre-back for £50-60 million, he was going to do it. I didn’t want to get stuck in that cycle of being an old player stuck in the 23s."

Shortly after Binks' departure, Mourinho was dismissed by Tottenham. Binks then pursued an offer to join Thierry Henry, who was managing the newly formed Montreal Impact in Canada. This move provided the first-team exposure he desired.

His early appearances in Canada were met with large crowds, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered his experience. Binks spent nine months away from home, training individually under strict lockdown protocols.

During this period, Henry invited Binks to stay with him in the same hotel, an arrangement that lasted for approximately two months. Binks recalled the experience as "a bit surreal," with the two of them and minimal staff adhering to social distancing rules. They would have dinner separately, but occasionally shared pizza at a friend's restaurant that had closed its doors to the public. Binks credited Henry with being "brilliant" and a "good guy" during their time together.

Following his spell in Montreal, Binks signed for Bologna and was loaned to Como, where he played alongside Cesc Fabregas. He later returned to England to play for Coventry City before moving to Danish side Brondby, where he now captains the team.

Binks believes his unconventional journey, experiencing different cultures and playing styles, has grounded him as a player. He feels prepared for international level, having been around accomplished figures throughout his career.

Despite growing up in England and representing England at youth level, Binks has always felt a connection to Scotland through his maternal grandfather from Dunbar. He recalls the Scotland camps as feeling more like a "boys' holiday" with friends, compared to the more exclusive atmosphere he perceived in the England setup.

His call-up to the Scotland squad for the Nations League campaign has been met with excitement from his family, particularly his mother, who instilled in him a connection to his Scottish heritage through childhood visits.

Binks is now set to potentially feature for Scotland, reflecting on a career path that has taken him from turning down Mourinho at Spurs to sharing lockdown with Henry in Canada, all leading to the brink of representing his country.