Sissoko Offers Explanation for Tottenham Switch

Tottenham’s last minute coup for Moussa Sissoko’s signature capped a summer of drama for the player and his former club, Newcastle.

After arriving from Ligue 1 side Toulouse in January of 2013 in a £1.5 million deal, Sissoko quickly established himself as one of Newcastle’s most remarkable players. He earned an assist in his debut and, just one week later, scored twice to earn Newcastle a shock win over Chelsea.

While the player was unable to sustain such heights, it’s impossible to argue that Newcastle didn’t get their money’s worth. He would scored 12 goals and set up 19 assists over 133 appearances for the club before moving on to Tottenham — but his presence meant far more than those seemingly unremarkable numbers would suggest.

In those moments when Sissoko was at his best, the field seemed to revolve around him. He broke through defenses, created space for his teammates and generally brought havoc in the opposition’s half. While it’s a shame he wasn’t able to consistently bring that level of play every week for 90 minutes, he still left a lasting impact on the club and its fans.

Sissoko took to Instagram Saturday to relate what Newcastle meant to him and why he chose to leave for Tottenham.

“As you know, a new adventure begins for me,” the French international begins. “Despite the difficulties, I decided to join the Tottenham club. This choice was a necessity and I needed a new challenge.”

Though the player has since denied that he ever considered Everton as an option, the allure of Tottenham over Ronald Koeman’s club or any other was clear. Not only would the 27-year-old have the chance to play in the Champions League for the first time in his career, but he’d get to do it under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino and alongside one of the Premier League’s best and most promising squads.

Still, Sissoko owes Newcastle a tremendous debt for bringing him into the Premier League in the first. It’s not surprise, then, that he wears his heart on his sleeve in regard to the club.

“While I know that this decision can make sad or disappointed Newcastle fans,” Sissoko continued on Instagram. “I want them to know that I will never forget. I’ve always played with heart for them and the club.”

Last season’s conclusion changed things, however. Newcastle were relegated into the Championship after six years in the top flight, and suddenly its expensively assembled squad was untenable. Sissoko was joined by Georginio Wijnaldum, Andros Townsend and Daryl Janmaat in leaving the club to stay in the Premier League.

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“Relegation was clearly an emotional pain for the whole city,” he went on. “But the heart of this city beats for this club and I have no doubt it will come back very quickly to the top level. It deserves it.”

Time will tell if Newcastle makes it back into the Premier League, and Sissoko stands poised to honor the club by building on his successes there.