On this day: Modric's first interview after signing for the Club

On this day in 2008, Luka Modric completed his move to north London from Dinamo Zagreb.

A player who took time to settle into life in the Premier League, Luka eventually showed his incredible quality on the ball in the Premier League and became a fans' favourite at White Hart Lane. Making 160 appearances in our colours, scoring 17 goals including blinders against Liverpool and Bolton, he was an instrumental in us securing a Champions league spot for the first time ever in 2010 before helping us to the last eight of the competition in our maiden campaign - a year he was named our Player of the Season.

Departing our doors in 2012, the midfielder's star has continued to rise exponentially as, following his move to Real Madrid, he has won 24 major honours with Los Blancos, including a record five Champions Leagues, while he has earned countless individual awards, most notably the 2018 Ballon d'Or. He has also led the Croatia National Team through a golden age, guiding them to the 2018 World Cup Final, third place at the 2022 edition and runners-up in the 2023 Nations League finals.

It is now 16 years to the day since the footballing icon signed for the Club, so we have dipped into the archives to retrieve his first ever words spoken as a Spurs player...

What are your feelings on the move?

Luka: "I am very lucky and proud to be here in London at Tottenham. I am also happy that the coach Juande Ramos wanted me, it is the most important thing that the coach wants you as a player. I want to show that I have the quality for Tottenham and the English Premier League and help the Club achieve big results."

Not a difficult decision then?

Luka: "It was not a difficult decision. Last night (Friday) the president of Dinamo Zagreb called me to tell me he had agreed a deal with Tottenham that was perfect for me. At first I was very surprised, then a few seconds later I was proud over the prospect of coming to England. It is right that many clubs in England were interested in taking me, but my favourite from the first meeting was Tottenham because I am a big fan of coach Ramos."

What about leaving Dinamo Zagreb?

Luka: "Of course it is not easy when you have spent many beautiful years at the club and in the city of Zagreb. I want a new challenge, a new competition and I am happy to be getting this opportunity. The time is right."

What ambitions do you have?

Luka: "I want to play for Tottenham in international football - Champions League or UEFA Cup games. I want to achieve big things with the Club and be in the top group of teams in the Premier League."

Have you always been a follower of English football?

Luka: I' have followed it closely because three players from Dinamo Zagrab Niko Kranjcar, Vedran Corluka and Eduardo came to England and all three are among my best friends."

What challenges do you feel English football will present you with?

Luka: "The speed of the game is appealing and great stadiums with many fans. The speed and tempo of the games is a big factor."