No regrets for Ossie

Part two of our exclusive interview with Spurs legend Ossie Ardiles...

Ossie Ardiles had a little chuckle to himself.

He'd just been reminded that it was now over 35 years since, according to one newspaper at the time, Spurs 'scooped the world' by signing Osse and Ricky Villa just weeks after they'd helped Argentina win the 1978 World Cup.

"The time has flown by," said Ossie, speaking to us for the first time since his car accident in the Falkand Islands in January.

"I arrived here with Ricky and it was an adventure going to a new country. It’s a lot easier now, but at the time it was a big decision to make.

"We took it, it was a great time for us and we didn’t regret it at all.

"Right from the beginning we were at the heart of the Tottenham people and the results started to come as well, it was great.

"I had 10 years as a player and later was manager as well, so I’ve spent an important part of my life here. I always say that my second home was Tottenham. When I come here I always feel good, I feel like I’m with family."

Ossie went on to famously, as the song went, 'win the (FA) Cup with Tottenham' and also lifted the UEFA Cup in his 10-year stint, 1978-88. He made over 300 appearances for us in that time, came back to manage the team from June 1993-November 1994 and is now a Club Ambassador and Hall of Fame inductee.

It's 30 years since that UEFA Cup triumph and final victory over two legs against Anderlecht.

"I have to say the European nights were absolutely brilliant," added Ossie.

"Every game under the lights at White Hart Lane, I don’t know why, was very special - the FA Cup, League Cup whatever. And when it was in Europe, it was even more special. The atmosphere when we won the trophy was incredible."

The current squad return to Europa League action next week with a Round of 32, first leg at FC Dnipro in the Ukraine - could the lads emulate the team of 1984?

"There is certainly a chance. Why not?" added Ossie.

"It’s a huge competition and not easy to win, so many games. The only thing you can do is try to get through to the next round and I’m sure that’s what the lads will do."