Jermain Defoe has opened up on Daniel Levy’s departure from Tottenham, and his words capture exactly how many connected to the club are feeling at this moment in time.
Daniel Levy’s time at Tottenham Hotspur was brought to an end earlier this month following his departure from the club.
Nearly a quarter of a century at Tottenham, and it has been anything but smooth sailing, with the former chairman living through several highs and lows at the helm of the north London side.
Levy did receive plenty of criticism for his on-field ambitions, with many believing he failed to deliver enough silverware, yet he did achieve plenty away from the pitch by overseeing the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium and top-class training facilities.
Jermain Defoe speaks on Daniel Levy’s Tottenham exit
Jermain Defoe, who was recently shortlisted for the Premier League Hall of Fame, has spoken for the first time since Daniel Levy’s exit from Tottenham.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Defoe admitted that he was surprised by the news but stressed that Levy deserves recognition for what he achieved during his long reign.
He said: “When I obviously saw the news, I was surprised like everyone else, to be honest. I did not see that coming. But I think he deserves a lot of credit, Daniel.
“Again, a lot of noise around Tottenham, and the fans obviously not happy with you know not winning enough trophies in his time at the club.
“But I feel like when you look at the infrastructure and the training ground, Daniel spoke about having the best in class and I think what he meant by that is you know having the best stadium that the fans and everyone a part of Tottenham can be proud of.
“You know, having the best training ground. Which they have certainly got one of the best training grounds in Europe. I mean we have got that, and I mean obviously we have got a new manager in Thomas Frank and you know the recruitment has been good, we have signed some top players so now I think it is a case of you know trying to win more trophies.
“I think the fans that has always been the case at Tottenham even though it is one trophy in 17 years, that is a long time that, but I think now, can this group of players now kick on and go on and win more trophies because it just seems like the perfect time to be at this football club.”
Praise for Levy continues after Spurs departure
Daniel Levy, in an interview before his departure, admitted that he might only be truly appreciated once his time at Tottenham had come to an end.
That has certainly proven to be the case, with praise flowing from players past and present who worked closely with him.
Heung-min Son, speaking after Levy’s exit, also gave his respect to the former chairman. The former Tottenham captain said: “It is not the right place to be talking about the departure of my chairman, I was there for ten years – I think he deserves more than me just speaking here.
“Look, he was there for 25 years, I think he did an unbelievable job, I wish him all the best for the future in whatever he is going to do, but I am really, really grateful for what he did for me.”