Hugo Lloris Convinced Moussa Sissoko to Join Tottenham
Moussa Sissoko discusses his move after joining Tottenham.
Upon completing his transfer from Newcastle United to Tottenham, Moussa Sissoko spoke to Spurs’ official website about how excited he is to join the club.
Two reasons the France international wanted to play for Spurs was because he was convinced by his French teammate, Hugo Lloris, and another one was being able to play in the Champions League.
That’s not to say Sissoko isn’t willing to help Spurs out now that he has returned to the Premier League, but the two reasons above are enough to help spur him on in his debut season with Tottenham.
“I’m very happy, very proud to be here,” Moussa Sissoko said after leaving France’s training camp prior to their match against Italy, to finalize a transfer to join Spurs.
“I am in the prime of my career and I want to play for a big team, I have the chance now with Tottenham so I’m looking forward and I hope we will do well in the Premier League and in the Champions League also.”
“I’ve said a lot of times that I want to play in the Champions League so that’s one of the reasons why I came here – to have the possibility and the chance to play this year.”
“I will fight every day at the training ground and then in the games and give my best for this team. I hope we will all do well together.”
Again, like mentioned above, a part of Sissoko’s motivation is to play in the Champions League.
While the 27-year-old could have joined other top European teams to play in Europe’s elite club competition, a part of the reason why he chose Spurs was because of Hugo Lloris.
“He’s a good friend for me,” Sissoko continued.
“When we are with the national team we speak a lot, we laugh a lot.”
“He’s a great player and when he spoke to me about this club he told me that it’s amazing and everything is here for me to play some good games and to fight with the best teams in England.”
“Today I’m happy and he’s happy because we will play together in the Premier League.”
More from Hotspur HQ
With Mauricio Pochettino needing to find cover for Mousa Dembélé as Spurs have looked out of sorts since he was suspended for six games dating back to last season.
It’s apparent that reinforcements were needed and Moussa Sissoko appears to be the answer.
Finding a spot for him in the starting XI will be tricky once Dembélé returns.
But one potential lineup could see him slide to right midfield with Érik Lamela taking over at left midfield.
Being dropped to the bench would have to be Christian Eriksen, only because he has not looked like himself to start the year off.
No matter where the French midfielder is deployed, he is excited to play for Mauricio Pochettino once club football returns.
“He’s a good manager, I know him from a long time ago,” Moussa Sissoko said.
“I saw him at Southampton, I’ve seen what he’s doing here and it’s fantastic so I spoke with him, he told me he likes me and he likes how I play.”
“He wanted me to come here and I hope he will help me to progress again.”
“We will work well together as we have the same objectives. I like to run forward, I like power and I have a lot of energy which I can bring to the team.”
“I am happy to be here at this big club and I hope we will all have a good season.”
The addition of Moussa Sissoko should help give Mauricio Pochettino plenty of options to figure out who will be in his starting XI on a game-by-game basis.
Sissoko has been a starter for Toulouse and Newcastle, and it’s expected to continue with Spurs. The only difference is, he will have to share minutes.
It all depends on his form and whether he’s riding a hot streak or a cold streak.
So far, Eriksen has been given starts because Pochettino needs him in the lineup. That could all change though with Moussa Sissoko joining the team.