Yves Bissouma has revealed that his desire to play in the Champions League was the reason why he decided to join Tottenham Hotspurs.
Tottenham Hotspur announced the signing of Yves Bissouma for £25 million from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018 from Lille. The 25 years has become an integral part of the Brighton team under Graham Potter. He was exceptional for Brighton last season, helping them finish 9th in the Premier League.
Bissouma made 126 appearances for Brighton scoring six goals in the process. The Malian international was considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
Tottenham had to beat competition from Manchester United and Arsenal to sign Yves Bissouma. However, Tottenham’s participation in the Champions League next season gave them the upper hand in the pursuit of the former Brighton star.
Antonio Conte’s side piped Arsenal to a top-four finish in the last three games in the Premier League after they had defeated Arsenal at the new Tottenham Stadium.
What did Bissouma say?
In his first interview with the Tottenham official website, the 25 years old Malian international said: “I’m very happy to be here, happy to be a Spurs player and hopefully we’re going to have a good season.
“I’m going to give everything to try to win every game, to stay at the top. But, as everyone knows, the Premier League is not easy. We’re going to work really hard to keep the ambition high.
“We have a good group, and a great coach, everyone knows him. I know I can pass this step with him. I know he will help me more to be what I want to be and try to help the team as well. I’m very happy to play with him.
“It’s my dream to play in the Champions League. I remember when I was younger, I watched the Champions League every day. I can’t believe I’m going to play in the Champions League with the Spurs. I’m so happy, I just want to say thank you to my mum, my dad, and my agent here, thank you, everyone, and thank you to Spurs as well.”
Bissouma became Tottenham Hotspurs’ third signing of the summer after Spurs earlier in the month announced the signing of Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan and Fraser Forster from Southampton.
Tottenham Hotspurs are also said to be interested in Everton and Brazilian forward Richarlison.
