Spurs star admits that he never thought about leaving

Moussa Sissoko has revealed that he never wanted to leave Tottenham Hotspur despite having a testing time in his first couple of seasons.

The French midfielder moved to White Hart Lane on a five year contract for a then club record transfer fee of £30million from Newcastle United (Sky Sports).

Sissoko became a laughing stock among Spurs fans during his first season at the club and could barely string a pass together to a team-mate, his transformation into a regular under Mauricio Pochettino has been nothing short of remarkable.

Mousa Dembélé’s injury has helped to open the door and he has also benefited from being selected regularly.

The 29-year-old also highlighted the fact that he was able to undergo a full pre-season as one of the main reasons for his revival.

He told Sky Sports: “It was painful. In the past when I was at Toulouse or Newcastle I used to play every game. I expected to do the same here, but for different reasons it was a change for me and I needed to adapt to the new style of play with new players and lots of other things.

“I needed to stay focused and keep working, that was the most important thing to do if I wanted to play. That’s why I am playing and I am happy.

“In life you have to never give up. You can have bad moments but you have to keep believing and keep working, that’s what I have done.

“Every transfer window people are talking about players, but in my head I was clear; I wanted to stay here and give my best for this team, especially because I didn’t play a lot, I wanted to show who I am. I am very happy to have stayed here and show what I can do.”

He added: “Everything started this pre-season. I had a good pre-season and played some good games and from the start of the league I did well and I kept carrying on.

“When you play most games you get more confidence and it gets easier on the pitch. That’s why I think I have done well. Also a good mentality and the players around me helping me. I am doing well, like everyone here.”

His upturn in form has seen the Spurs faithful adopt a chant for him, a twist on Wham’s hit song: “Wake me up before you go, go. Who needs Bale when you’ve got Sissoko?”.

Sissoko admits that the song makes him proud and also his father who helped him to reach his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

“First of all I think about my father because he should be proud of what he hears from the fans. People are singing your name, it’s something amazing. When I was a kid I wanted to live these kinds of moments and now I am there. So I am very happy for that.

“When I was young my life wasn’t easy but he did everything for me and knew I wanted to be a footballer. He pushed me and followed me everywhere. Now I can say I have realised my dreams so he is very happy and proud, and I am too.”

Long may Sissoko’s upturn in form continue, only five Tottenham players have played more minutes in the Premier League this season than the French international.