Holtby: Childhood dream come true

Lewis Holtby has described his move to Tottenham Hotspur and the opportunity to play in the Premier League as a “childhood dream come true”.

The German Under-21 captain will join us from Schalke in July subject to a medical after his contract expires with the Bundesliga club. Holtby’s father is from Liverpool and is a former soldier in the British army who used to be stationed in Monchengladbach.

We beat the likes of Arsenal (which is always nice) in the race to sign the 22-year-old midfielder, who has three senior caps for Germany to date.

“When I was a lad, I used to sit with my dad in front of the TV and long to play there (in England),” Holtby wrote on his Facebook page.

“This chance has now arrived, and I have taken it.

“I have always said that it would be realising a dream for me to play in the Premier League one day.

“As soon as this became reality, it was a childhood dream come true.”

Holtby is highly rated by Schalke and their supporters which led to him explaining to fans on why he has decided to depart for the Lane: “I hope that you can understand me and that we can enjoy the remaining games together,” he added.

“Then I will look back on a great experience and time, and I am grateful to have been given this chance here in Schalke.

“I have always identified myself with this club and I will continue to do so until the very last second.

“If it weren’t for my English roots and for the Premier League, then I would have signed a new deal (with Schalke) long ago.”