Tottenham defender Serge Aurier has revealed that he was offered a new deal by Paris Saint-Germain but that he spurned their advances before completing his summer move to the White Hart Lane. The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international joined Spurs on the deadline day in a deal worth £23million. It was a long and protracted saga for the signature of the right-back because of the clearances required from the Home Office.
With interest from Manchester United also reported, there were concerns if Aurier would land at Spurs. But the player was always angling for a move to Tottenham, to work with Mauricio Pochettino.
Now that the deal is completed and the player is officially a Lilywhite, Aurier has lifted the lid over the deal and spoke about the offer made by PSG prior to the switch to North London.
The right-back who has been capped 40 times by Ivory Coast was speaking to CAF Online and said:
“I am morally liberated. I left PSG, who had offered me a new three-year contract, for another adventure. I refused for various reasons. I want to discover another life because in Paris, I was not respected at my true value.”
This is interesting because it was always thought that the Parisian club was looking to offload him. Especially after signing Dani Alves on a free transfer from Juventus, it was assumed that PSG would not be interested in having Aurier on the bench.
That makes the signing much more impressive as it indicates that Aurier has not just chosen Spurs over other Premier League clubs but also over PSG. Pochettino was looking for an experienced defender as cover for Kieran Trippier on the right-hand side of the defence, after selling Kyle Walker to Manchester City.
Aurier also knows that he would not slot straight into the first-team at Spurs as Trippier would be the first choice. However, the injury to the England international gives a chance for Aurier to impress his manager and earn his place.
For someone who has won nine trophies during his time in Paris, Aurier wanted the challenge of working in the Premier League and take his game to the next level. The project at Tottenham appealed to him more than anything else. He said:
“Tottenham is an ambitious club that plays good football and often finishes near the top of the English league. I have always dreamed of playing in England and I have been able to take this opportunity that was presented to me. I am 24-years-old and I have a lot of football left in me. I now have to battle, improve, and experience great moments with my new club.”
Though he is controversial, I feel that we have not yet seen the true potential of Aurier on the pitch. Pochettino could be the right key to unlock that.
https://youtu.be/hiBRe9TMxKU
