Tottenham confirmed that Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembele is finally off to China after spending nearly seven years at the club.
The former Fulham star was one of the best midfielders in the game when fit, but recent seasons have seen him struggle to remain injury-free.
The Belgian hasn’t played for us since injuring his ankle in November, and it is a bit of a loss seeing Dembele leave now.
The 31-year-old signed for Guangzhou R&F and spoke about his time with Spurs over the years. Dembele enjoyed his time at Spurs with some other Belgians such as Nacer Chadli, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.
This moment… 💙
📽️ There was one final surprise for @mousadembele at Hotspur Way as @JanVertonghen joined his farewell interview with Spurs TV. pic.twitter.com/DYDh7V3xkd
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 17, 2019
The 31-year-old got emotional later on during the video as Jan Vertonghen came to say his goodbyes to the midfield. The pair spoke about their relationship and the fact that they joined the club in the same transfer window.
Spurs have grown from strength to strength under Mauricio Pochettino, and it would have been fantastic if we could have held onto Dembele for a few more years.
The Chinese league will be less strenuous on the body of the Belgian, and hopefully, we see him thrive in one of the fastest growing leagues in the world.
Several Tottenham fans were emotional when learning about Dembele leaving, and here are some of their reactions to the midfield going.
Ok. Son’s literally crying his eyes out. So am I. Nice one
— Simply (@Simply_Spurs) January 17, 2019
You’re not making this farewell any easier, guys… pic.twitter.com/M6MvrEfKRZ
— Noz Ahmed (@NozAhmed) January 17, 2019
Who thought they could survive this moment without tears? 😢
— Rachel Martin (@RachelVMartin) January 17, 2019
There’s a lump in my chest….
damn!!! Harder to breathe
😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫#OneOfOurOwn ❤
😥😭😭😭😭😭😭😭— Ama (@Fancy_Dele7) January 17, 2019
He was my favourite Spurs player. The most heartbreaking thing for me is that he’ll never get to play in the new stadium.
💔💔💔💔
Thanks for all of the glorious football Mousa.
— Football And The City (@ballandthecity) January 17, 2019
I feel worse now then when bale modric or rafa left the club. Gonna miss this beast in a spurs shirt
— Nick (@nikroberts2) January 17, 2019
Been a pleasure watching Mousa over the years. Injuries have been a shame but what a talent. On his day he completely bossed that midfield and I’ve never seen anyone retain the ball better and glide by others with ease, up there with the very best I’ve seen live.
— Paul Hayden (@phayden1983) January 17, 2019
Won’t see another player like him, truly one of a kind. OHHH MOUSSA DEMBELE.
— shelfsidespur (@shelfsidespur) January 17, 2019
Oh dear god pic.twitter.com/ajFopKcu8B
— Rob Colborne (@RobC888) January 17, 2019
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