Mathys Tel believes Tottenham were "the best option" after choosing to reject interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
In the final days of the transfer window it became clear that Tel would be leaving Bayern Munich, where he's struggled for game time. A host of Premier League sides pursued his signature but it was those on the white half of north London who eventually won the race at the eleventh hour.
Tel moves to Tottenham on loan initially, but the club can make the move permanent later down the line. The Frenchman originally said no to moving to Ange Postecoglou's side, but a phone call from the Australian manager helped turn his head.
Arsenal and United failed to back up their initial interest with the Red Devils opting against paying the loan fee Bayern wanted. Tel has cited the desire and the commitment from Tottenham as a real difference maker in making his choice.
He said: "Why I chose Tottenham, because that was the best option for me, what was important for me. I felt the commitment, I spoke with the president [chairman Daniel Levy], talked with the manager. I'm young, I've started to grow up and this was the best option for me and I'm very happy.
"I'm very excited to play with my team-mates, for the fans. That's a new challenge for me, a new chapter to open. Very excited about it."
Tel also sought advice from two of his former Bayern colleagues - Harry Kane and Eric Dier. The duo have more than 800 appearances for Tottenham between them and spoke glowingly about the prospect of moving to north London.
“They said, if you want to work here, you have everything," claimed Tel. "You can enjoy it. That’s good for me, because it’s a good opportunity to work, to learn every day... that’s what they told me.”
Tottenham were in need of new recruits with the club's form over the last two months seeing them tumble down the table. They now find themselves in 14th spot after just two wins in 12 but Tel's arrival may help add more speed to their attack.
The teenager explained what he thinks he can bring to the team as he added: "I think I am a physical player, fast, technical. I play every moment, every game with my heart. I live with this pressure. I always have to push myself to go up and look forward."
sewe01
42
tel am telling you no trophy 🏆 for you 😢 😭
Voycdlptyz
11
This Tel of a guy is a great liar, he only went to Spurs bcz United refused to pay the higher loan fee for an unproven player... He said No to Tottenham at first and said he wants United move... But here he is lying to himself that the same spurs he said No to at first, is now the best option to him... So tell us why you said No to Tottenham at first, since you are telling us why you said Yes at last...