Tottenham’s deadline day signing Tosin Adarabioyo has now outlined his Spurs ambition and what convinced him to make the switch.
Tottenham Hotspur were able to complete a massive overhaul of their squad this summer transfer window.
The Lilywhites managed to bring in 10 new players to bolster Roberto De Zerbi’s squad in a busy transfer window that saw Spurs’ activity continue right up to deadline day.
In the final hours of the summer window, Tottenham secured the services of two Chelsea players, bringing in centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo and Mykhailo Mudryk to add extra depth to their defence and attack, respectively.
The 28-year-old centre-back comes with much-needed experience and leadership, having spent the last five seasons in the English top flight representing Chelsea and Fulham.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s first interview after completing Tottenham move
With his £12million move, which includes £10m in fixed fees and £2m in add-ons, completed, the new Spurs number four has now had his first interview.
Tosin, speaking to Spurs’ official channels, first opened up on working with Roberto De Zerbi and the tactical demands of playing under the new head coach.
The defender explained what has stood out to him from his early conversations with the manager and what he believes will be required from the players.
He said: “I feel like I’m in an important part of my career, speaking to the manager as well, speaking to Roberto, knowing the type of football he wants to play, I think it’s very fitting. He’s a manager that just wants to play football, football, football, and the conversations we’ve had, it’s just a lot of tactical sense, and then also, bringing the environment to how we want it to be.
“It takes a lot of courage to play the way the gaffer wants us to play, so to be able to take that courage to help the team is very important, and that’s something that I look to do, no matter where I am.”
The centre-back also revealed his thoughts on Mykhailo Mudryk following the Ukrainian’s arrival from Chelsea, with the pair now reunited at Tottenham. Tosin discussed the winger’s work ethic and explained what he has been like throughout his career.
“Misha is a workhorse, he’s always been like that. Every since I’ve known him, he’s always been one to take his training very seriously, to give 100 per cent, and when he went back into pre-season, you saw that he was still at a very good level.
“So he’s ready, he’s going to be fighting, and that just sums him up. He’s a top top player.
“He obviously knows Roberto very well from working together from Shakhtar, and he’s had nothing but good things and amazing things to say about him.
“Now to be able to come here together is very special.”
Tosin on settling in, Solanke’s influence and his Spurs ambitions
Of course, the defender is no stranger to life in London given his spells at both Chelsea and Fulham, and should be able to settle down quickly in north London.
Having friends will certainly help with that, and Tosin revealed how one of his mates, Dominic Solanke, helped convince him to join.
He continued: “My guy, Dom, very good friend, probably one of my best friends, especially in football. We had a lot of conversations, we spoke about the club, just excited to link up.
“We played with each other from England Youth, played against each other for as long as I can remember, and from there, we just became very good friends. He said this is the place to be, so once he said that, I knew. Along with the conversations I had with the gaffer, I knew it was an amazing club to be in.
“Especially when I’m walking around now, seeing the magnitude of the club, and going to the stadium, that’s going you be some feeling.
“I’m very excited for that. I’ve played there before, so, obviously, you feel that, especially in derbies or wherever I’ve been. London derbies, it’s special. To be able to play there and have that as my home to defend is going to be very special.”
Tosin then concluded by revealing what his ambitions are at Spurs: “I really just want to achieve the absolute best, push this team, push this club as much as possible to be where we deserve, and that’s something that has to be done every single day, especially outside training, bringing that environment, bringing that mentality to the club.”