Ivan Perisic exclusive: “I can’t wait to play, to train and give my best”
Tue 31 May 2022, 17:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Ivan Perisic cannot wait to get started in a Spurs shirt.
One of the great players of his generation, title winner in Germany (Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich) and Italy (Inter), World Cup finalist and fifth on Croatia’s all-time list with 113 caps, Ivan is excited for the latest chapter of a career that has taken in Belgium, France, Germany and Italy, 10 major honours and five major international tournaments – four of which he’s scored in, including Croatia’s semi-final win over England and the final of the 2018 World Cup.
Now, just weeks after scoring the goals that clinched the Coppa Italia for Inter against Juventus, then the opening goal of Inter’s final day win against Sampdoria on 22 May, securing second place in Serie A and taking his tally to 10 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions in 2021/22, Ivan has put pen to paper on a deal that will run until 2024.
“From the first time I was in contact with the coach and sporting director I told them that I really wanted to come here,” said Ivan in his first interview as a Spurs player. “Ever since 2009, when I started playing professional football in Belgium, I was so close a few times to coming to the Premier League and, at last, this is the moment. I can’t wait.
“I’m going to bring, first of all, a lot of hard work. I like to work a lot, I like to work for the team because only like this you can win something important. I can play several positions in the system Tottenham is playing now. I will bring a lot of experience as well, I’ve played for a lot of great clubs and, like I said, I can’t wait to start to play, to train and give my best.”
Of course, Ivan’s arrival at Spurs brings him back together with our Head Coach, Antonio Conte – Ivan featured 42 times, including 32 of 38 Serie A matches, as Antonio guided Inter to their first Scudetto since 2009/10 in 2020/21.
“It’s a privilege to work again with a coach like this,” said Ivan. “We did well at Inter, won the league after 10 or 11 years, it was a perfect year. I’m really happy to see him again. I think we’re going to do some good things here in England.
“He’s living football, every minute, every hour, every day, even when he’s sleeping, he’s thinking about football! He’s so passionate. He wants to win. I like his character and I know we’re going to do a great job here.
“Like I said, I can’t wait to start, to train, to play in this amazing stadium, I think we will have a great time and we can do a great job here.”
