'I enjoyed every single moment' - Roman Pavlyuchenko on Spurs

Roman Pavlyuchenko scored 41 goals in 113 appearances for Spurs between 2008-2012 and was a popular figure with our fans. The 34-year-old former Russian international joined us from Spartak Moscow and played his part in our previous Champions League campaign in 2010-11, scoring four times as we reached the quarter-finals.

He now plays for Ural Ekaterinburg in his homeland - coincidentally, he played against tonight's opponents CSKA Moscow on Saturday - and tells us about his fond memories of playing for Spurs and his thoughts on tonight’s clash.

What are your memories of playing for Tottenham? What were your favourite moments during your time with us?
Roman: “I enjoyed every single moment during my three-and-a-half years there, because at every home match the stands were full of fans, even when it was a friendly game. This is great for the players, it’s the reason to play and my whole stay at Tottenham was full of pleasure for me.”

Below: Roman scores against Inter

The win against Inter Milan at White Hart Lane in the Champions League in 2010, when you scored one of the goals in our 3-1 victory, must have been a highlight for you?
Roman: “Of course! When Gareth Bale, like he was riding a motorcycle, ran along the wing, I was alone in the centre. Bale did everything, all I needed was just to score.”

Is he one of the best players you’ve played with?
Roman: “Gareth Bale and Luka Modrić - the best players I played with. They are now world stars, leaders of Real Madrid. Besides them, I can also name Emmanuel Adebayor, Rafa van der Vaart, Robbie Keane, Peter Crouch… they were also the stars of that Spurs team."

Below: Pav celebrates a goal with Luka Modric and Gareth Bale

We face CSKA Moscow in the Champions League this evening. What can you tell us about CSKA? Who are their main dangermen?
Roman: “Roman Eremenko is a leader of CSKA, but he is banned at the moment. As for all the team, I would say there are good players there. CSKA was always a powerful team. I’ve heard it’s called “Military machine” (named after Central Sport Club of the Army - CSKA).”

Some of CSKA’s players faced Spurs players for Russia against England at Euro 2016. Do you think it helps them to know their opponents?
Roman: “Here in Russia, when the footballers play for their club, they will act another way than when they play for the national team, because here they have different team-mates, tactics and formations. Anyway, CSKA will analyse the Tottenham games and their coach Leonid Slutsky will tell them about the strengths and weakness of their opponent.”

Below: Pav - happy days at Spurs

Do you watch Tottenham’s games? Have you followed our recent progress?
Roman: “If I have a chance I always watch Spurs matches. Every time I do, I'm happy to see the stadium where I played.”

Did you see the first game between the two sides in Moscow?
Roman: “I watched the first half. Unfortunately, I missed the second one, but I’ve seen the summary. That was a difficult game for Tottenham, but a good win for them."

Below: Pav in action for his latest club, Ural

How far do you think Spurs can go this season in the Premier League?
Roman: “I think the play of Tottenham can allow them to fight for the gold medal. The team has a good chance of winning the Premier League, because they have good players and some teams are not showing their best form."

What is your new club Ural Ekaterinburg like?
Roman: “It’s absolutely a great club. Ural does not just exist, it has certain goals. There is a good atmosphere at the club and with the infrastructure we have, all we need is to just do our job - play football.”