Moussa Sissoko: “I’ve learned a lot”

Moussa Sissoko believes he’s grown as a player and a person during his time at Spurs.

The France international midfielder first joined us from Newcastle United in 2016 but found top form hard to come by in his early stages with us as he looked to settle into our style.

That all changed, however, with a stand-out season in 2018/19. Running games from central midfield, Moussa made 44 appearances in all competitions, including 10 on our epic journey to the Champions League Final, where he started against Liverpool in Madrid.

After continuing those positive individual displays into the current campaign, Moussa has been rewarded with a new contract until 2023 – something he says he can draw great encouragement from...

Congratulations Moussa – how do you feel about signing your new contract with us?
Moussa: “Of course, I’m very proud to sign a new deal with the Club – that means the Club believes in me and they’re happy with what I’m doing, so hopefully I can give my best to the Club for a long time and hopefully we can get some trophies all together.”

How much have you developed both professionally and personally since you’ve been here?
Moussa: “I think on both sides I’ve learned a lot – as a man and as a footballer. The facilities here, the talent of the players and even the talent of the coaching staff is unbelievable. I’ve learned a lot from them and as a person as well, I’ve learned plenty. That’s why I’m very happy to be here and sign this new deal and, like I said, hopefully we can achieve some good moments all together.”

You’ve been known to help some of the new players off the field here. Do you feel like more of a leader now?
Moussa: “I try to be. I have a lot of experience. I’m 30 years old now and I’ve seen many things in football so if I can teach some new signings and even some players who have been at the Club a long time, I’m trying to do it. I think it will be helpful for everyone and if I can give them some advice, it will be no problem with me. When I was young, I had some advice from some other players and it’s always important to learn something from the experienced players, so that’s what I’m trying to do. It will be helpful for everyone because we are all together in the same boat and we want success all together so you need to have the right person next to you.”

Wind the clock back one year – could you have imagined yourself being in this position now, signing a new contract?
Moussa: “Maybe not, but in life and in football, anything can happen and everything can change quickly. Of course, last season I had a great season like everyone here and we achieved a lot of things. It was maybe missing just a title but that is football and hopefully we can get something this year. You always have to believe in yourself, give your best, try to work hard and that’s what I’ve done and that’s why I’m here today.”

What does your new contract mean for your friends and family?
Moussa: “Hopefully everyone will be happy with my new contract. Of course, my family and all my friends are very happy and proud because they know that at the beginning, it was a bit tough for me but I never gave up, I was always believing in myself, I was trying to do my best, even in the bad moments and today everything has changed so they are very happy. They’ve been behind me since I’ve started so they are very proud of my new contract. One guy who is very important is my uncle Bakari, who is my agent. I started with him when I was little and we are still together, we make all the decisions together and he helps me with everything and gives me some advice. We always discuss things and I think it’s good to have someone close to you who you can share a lot of things with and be relaxed with. Because of him as well, that’s why I’m here today.”