Remembering Michel Vorm's Spurs career as he announces his retirement
Mon 26 October 2020, 16:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Our former goalkeeper Michel Vorm has today (Monday 26 October) announced his retirement from playing.
Such a popular member of the squad, Michel made 48 appearances for us in all competitions in two spells, first between 2014 and 2019, before re-joining us last October for the rest of last season as additional cover after Hugo Lloris' serious injury at Brighton.
Having left us in July at the conclusion of his contract, he turned 37 last week and has today called time on his playing career.
Michel’s daily work with skipper and number one Hugo over the years cannot be underestimated, as well as his influence on our younger goalkeepers, the likes of Alfie Whiteman and Brandon Austin.
Indeed, it’s away from matchdays and friendships forged over his six years with us that have left a lasting impression on the former Dutch international from Ijsselstein, Utrecht – he’s made friends for life.
“This is a big thing in life,” reflected Michel upon his departure from the Club in July. “You are so caught up in playing football, the pressure is massive, and I think people can see we are all human beings and we all have our own way of living.
“I’ve met so any different people, medical staff, people working in the restaurant or at the Lodge, and I always find it interesting, as everyone has their own story. In the end, we’re all the same, and we all do a job here, and you respect everyone. I always say, ‘how you want to be treated yourself, treat each other’ and this is something I think the people also like, I’m quite down to earth and interested in everyone’s story.”
Michel captained the team during 2017/18, when he also made his debut in the Champions League and played in the semi-final of the FA Cup. The emergence of Paulo Gazzaniga saw him play less in 2018/19 and last season, but as explained above, he has always been such a valuable member of the squad.
“We’ve been through a lot together, ups and downs, but definitely more ups in the sense of when I came to the Club and where we ended, even though (last) season wasn’t what we expected,” he reflected. “It’s all a form of learning and you see how high the standard is where we want to be.
“I’ve seen guys grow from Academy players to full internationals, playing in World Cups, a player like Harry Kane, I’ve seen him come through and players in my position, look at Hugo, World Cup winner, and a great captain.
“I know I’m always welcome here and for me, that’s very important.”
We wish you luck, Michel.
