Gini Wijnaldum has revealed he spoke to Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino about a possible switch before joining Liverpool.
The former Newcastle United midfielder moved to Anfield two years ago for £23million and held talks with Tottenham prior to his switch, but felt that Liverpool wanted to complete the deal quicker.
The 27-year-old signed a five-year deal with Liverpool and admits that he does have admiration for both Mauricio Pochettino and the style of Tottenham’s play.
He told The Telegraph: “I met Pochettino when I left Newcastle. I just felt Liverpool wanted to come to an agreement quickly.
“Tottenham have shown over the years the quality of their players and manager.
“I see Tottenham as a team like us, wanting to play good football. They are always looking for solutions in the game and play as we do.
“That’s why people say this is a ‘big game’. In the situation we are in, they say it makes it bigger.”
Tottenham dismantled Liverpool 4-1 at Wembley last season in a match which Wijnaldum missed due to a knee problem and admits that Spurs are a similar side to Liverpool in their ambitions to top the Premier League table.
“Not a good day,” he recalled. “I like Tottenham as a team – Dembele, Eriksen, Son, Alli. I could name them all. We are in a similar situation, trying to chase the team at the top.”
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