New Tottenham signing Gylfi Sigurdsson talks up manager Andre Villas-Boas

Gylfi Sigurdsson has backed Andre Villas-Boas to be a success in his new role as Tottenham manager after the Iceland midfielder completed his transfer to White Hart Lane yesterday.

Speculation surrounding Sigurdsson's future came to an end yesterday afternoon when Spurs confirmed that they had signed the 22-year-old from Hoffenheim on a reported five-year deal.

The midfielder, who impressed during his loan spell at Swansea last term, becomes Villas-Boas' first signing since he was appointed as Harry Redknapp's successor earlier this week.

Villas Boas' appointment has been greeted with a mixed reception, with some questioning whether the Portuguese is the right man to lead the north London club forward following his failed reign at Chelsea.

Sigurdsson has no qualms about working under Villas-Boas, however, and is confident the club's future will be bright under the 34-year-old.

"I like him and the ideas he has," Sigurdsson told Icelandic website mbl.is.

"He has faith in me and I'm looking forward to working under his leadership."

Sigurdsson joined Swansea on loan last season and netted seven times in 19 appearances for the Welsh side.

Sigurdsson had been linked with a permanent move to the Liberty Stadium, and there was also strong interest in the midfielder from Liverpool, who are now managed by former Swans boss Brendan Rodgers.

But Sigurdsson opted to move to White Hart Lane after a meeting with the Tottenham hierarchy, who persuaded him that Spurs are destined for great things under Villas-Boas.

"The team has world-class players in their ranks and they play good football, which I like," Sigurdsson said.

"I was impressed with the club's plans for next season and the coming years.

"There is clearly great ambition at Tottenham and the club intends to do big things.

"It is a pleasure to see that Gareth Bale has signed a new contract.

"There are top players in the team and the club is getting a new training ground."

PA