Joao Palhinha has taken to social media to pen a heartfelt goodbye to Tottenham Hotspur fans, opening up on what representing the club meant to him.
Any chance Joao Palhinha had of returning to Spurs had been hugely diminished this week after the club broke their transfer records on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
The pair’s arrival leaves little room for the Portuguese star in the Tottenham squad, and with Sporting Lisbon showing keen interest in re-signing Palhinha, it seemed extremely unlikely that the 30-year-old was going to return to North London.
The former Fulham man has now confirmed that his time at Spurs is indeed over, and his goodbye message will only serve to increase the love and respect that Tottenham supporters have for him.
Joao Palhinha admits Tottenham loan had a huge impact on his life
The midfielder has taken to social media to thank the supporters, teammates and staff at Tottenham for the love that they showed him over the last 12 months.
The Portugal internaitonal admitted that despite only spending a year in North London, the club has had a ‘profound’ impact on his professional and personal life.
Palhinha wrote on Instagram: “Dear COYS, I am writing this message with heartfelt gratitude for all the kindness and support you have always shown me throughout my time at this special club. Representing Tottenham has had a profound impact on my life, not only professionally but also personally, and it is something I will carry with me forever.
“I always tried to repay, in the best way I could, all the affection, respect and trust you showed me, both on and off the pitch. As I have said before, what truly defines a great institution and a great football club is its supporters. Players, managers and directors come and go, but the fans remain. You are the ones who keep the flame of this club burning, season after season.
“I could not leave without expressing my special thanks to my teammates, the club’s directors, the fitness coaches, the entire medical staff, and especially my dear Alessandra Massimi. London gave me more than a professional career, it gave me two homes that I will always carry in my heart. With the utmost respect and gratitude, I say goodbye to all of you. Thank you so much COYS.”
Palhinha may have changed Spurs’ trajectory forever
The midfielder may have only spent a year at Tottenham and never been owned by the Lilywhites, but his impact could have a huge bearing on the club’s history.
Were it not for his leadership and heroics towards the end of last season, Spurs could very well have found themselves in the Championship next season for the first time in nearly half a century.
By helping keep the club in the Premier League, he has allowed Tottenham to flex their financial muscle this summer and aim for bigger and better things under Roberto De Zerbi.
If Spurs do manage to get back competing at the top end of the table and end up winning major honours over the past couple of years, Palhinha’s contribution should not be forgotten.