Hugo Lloris has revealed that his decision to steer Dele Alli over to the Spurs fans in the South Stand was instinctual as the midfielder deserved to say proper goodbye after the service he had given the club.
Alli had to settle for a place on the Everton bench on his first return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since his transfer deadline day move to Goodison Park in January.
The 25-year-old came on with a little over 20 minutes to go, with the Toffees already trailing 5-0 and he received a standing ovation from the home fans when he was introduced.
After the final whistle, Lloris took Alli over to the South Stand where he was applauded by the Tottenham faithful and had the chance to finally say goodbye.
When asked about the incident, the Tottenham captain insisted that the former MK Dons man will always be loved by everyone at the North London club for the memories he helped create.
Lloris told Sky Sports: “It was something really simple.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“I was driven by my instinct, the crowd were singing for Dele and he had almost left the field. I grabbed his arm and brought him towards the South Stand.
“In football, you go from one club to another, you don’t have time to say goodbye – Dele has a lot of respect for Tottenham, and we have a lot of respect for him, the fans too.
“He did a lot for us, and spent six years here, he had some great moments and gave a lot to the club. I thought it was the best way to close the chapter for him.
“He will be welcome at the club and it was good to see him on Monday night, we wish him the best and he’s a top person. I hope he’ll get to his best level soon.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It was a top gesture by Hugo and Dele certainly deserved to say a proper goodbye to the fans. Over the years, there has been an unfair media narrative around Dele that he is lazy.
However, Spurs fans realise that while he had a languid style, he always worked his socks off whenever he got an opportunity. That is part of the reason why he will always be held in high esteem by the fan base.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
