Guglielmo Vicario has admitted that he did not think twice about saying yes to Tottenham in the summer as he saw the North London club as the ideal environment to challenge himself.
Vicario had been one of the standout goalkeepers in the Serie A over the last couple of seasons at Empoli, with Jose Mourinho even labelling him ‘the best goalkeeper in the world’ after his display against Roma last year (Goal).
Unsurprisingly, the 27-year-old reportedly attracted interest from a couple of Italian giants over the summer, including both Juventus and Inter Milan (One Football).
However, it was Tottenham who won the race for the Italy international, striking a £17m deal for the shot-stopper, which already looks like a huge bargain.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Italia) last week, the goalkeeper explained that he did not have any doubts about joining Spurs, remarking that he would have even ‘signed in blood’.
Vicario is happy with his decision to join Tottenham
Vicario has now shed more light on his decision, explaining that he saw the Premier League as the right competition to push himself.
The Italian told Serie A’s official radio show (as relayed by Tuttomercatoweb): “I try to give 100% effort on the pitch to get to the best of my ability on the pitch.
“I don’t like talking about numbers. I was immediately convinced by the charm of this championship, I needed something competitive, and I found a fantastic club in a top championship.
“I want to give credit to Vincenzo Siciliano, with whom I am constantly in contact, we talk very often. I have found a person with whom I can grow professionally and personally.”
Vicario also expressed his ambition to be on the plane to aid Italy’s defence of their European championship title next summer.
He added: “My goal for now is to qualify for the European Championship with the national team; everything that comes will be a direct consequence. Wearing the blue shirt always makes you feel a thrill, singing the anthem is something special.
“It would be a pleasure to represent my national team. The coach makes choices for the common good of the team, but with every call-up, there is always the hope of achieving ownership.”
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I suspect what convinced Postecoglou to prioritise a move for Vicario over David Raya is the Italian’s desire to push himself and continue improving as a goalkeeper.
The Australian is also on record stating that he sees parallels between the goalkeeper’s journey and his own, given how the former Empoli man has worked his way up to the top.