Tottenham news: Moussa Sissoko reveals why he snubbed Everton for White Hart Lane

After being linked with the Toffees on deadline day, the former Newcastle man eventually opted to join Tottenham in a £30m transfer deal

Moussa Sissoko in action for Tottenham during their Champions League clash against Monaco on Wednesday night (Getty)

Moussa Sissoko has revealed that Tottenham’s reputation as a ‘big club’ and their guarantee of Champions League football persuaded him to snub Everton for the north London club.

The former Newcastle man came on for the last 10 minutes of Tottenham’s European clash against Monaco on Wednesday night, replacing Eric Dier as Mauricio Pochettino sought to salvage a precious point from the game.

“It’s simple. I spoke with Everton in the past, but they didn’t make an offer to Newcastle when I wanted. And then Tottenham came,” he said, speaking after the 2-1 loss on Wednesday evening.

“And so when they came, I wanted to join this club directly. Because, like I said, it’s a big club. So in my head, everything was clear. I wanted to sign here, that’s why I came here.

“It’s a fantastic feeling. I said in the past that I wanted to move, to join a big team. I had the chance to come here. I am very happy and very proud to be here.”

The Frenchman also revealed that Pochettino had played a role in encouraging him to make the switch to White Hart Lane.

“He told me he knows me, he knows how I play,” he said.

“So he wanted me to come here to show what I did at Newcastle, and to try to help the team to its objectives. That’s why I came here. We had a good chat together so I’m happy to work with him.”

When asked if Tottenham’s promise of Champions League had affected his decision, Sissoko admitted: “Yes of course. I played a lot of games, Europa League, World Cup, Euro 2016, but I wanted to play Champions League.

“So when Tottenham came I said yes, I wanted to join this club. Like I said, I am very happy to be here. Now I need to work hard and be at 100 per cent as soon as possible. And then I hope I will help the team to win something, and I hope we will do well this season.

“The first game was great, we won 4-0 against Stoke City. Today we wanted to do the same in the first game of the Champions League. We conceded two goals by mistakes, but after did a good reaction."

He added: "Their keeper was great today, we lost the game, but we still have five games left and I hope we win the last five games.

“The most important thing is that we had a good reaction. I think we deserved to maybe draw the game.

“But that’s football sometimes, even if you play well you can lose or draw. Today it was a bad day for us. We need to learn about this game. Then I hope we will win against Sunderland on Sunday.”