Dejan Kulusveski has revealed that he only found out on the news that Matt Doherty’s contract had been terminated by Tottenham after watching television and admitted that he was left shocked about the development.
Spurs’ decision to terminate Doherty’s contract on transfer deadline day allowed him to sign for Atletico Madrid and initially came as a major surprise to many Spurs fans.
Football.London revealed last week that the Tottenham players were also left surprised by the decision, explaining that the Irishman was a popular member of the changing room.
The report explained that the North London club were initially planning on loaning Doherty to Atletico without an option to buy but decided to terminate his contract once they realised that they were at the limit of the number of first-team players that a club is allowed to loan out (8).
The Athletic subsequently reported last week that the former Wolves man had been told that he was staying until a couple of days before his eventual move and only learned about Atletico’s interest 24 hours before the deadline.
Kulusevski has now said that while he is sad that Doherty is no longer at Spurs, he is pleased that the 31-year-old has got himself a ‘fantastic’ move.
When asked about the right-back’s deadline day switch, the Swede told The Guardian: “(I was) shocked when I saw on TV (that he had gone to Atlético). I messaged him straight away and we spoke. It’s sad that he’s not here with us and with me but I’m still happy for him. It’s a fantastic club that he went to.”
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Spurs Web Opinion
I cannot help but feel sorry for Doherty as he was a likeable character who always gave his all when opportunities came his way, he was particularly impressive last season in the weeks leading up to the knee injury he sustained at Aston Villa.
The defender also perhaps did not get the opportunities that he deserved this season on some occasions but such is the ruthless nature of football and he now has a great chance to prove himself at another big club.
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