Maddison Discusses Impetus Behind Joining Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has opened up about his decision to join the North London club, whilst also discussing his responsibility as his club’s primary creator, as he tries to translate that form into his England career.

The England international joined Spurs from Leicester City in the last summer transfer window for £40m on a five-year deal following Leicester City’s relegation.

“That was one of the reasons I wanted to go to Tottenham, purely because I could just see myself playing for Tottenham. I’m not even 100 percent sure what I mean by that, so don’t ask me. But I could just see myself in that team, in that kit, in that stadium. It just fitted well for me,” Maddison said.

Speaking on Spurs’ kind of creative midfielders, he added: “And they’ve always had that type of player. And that sort of midfielder who wants to be creative and entertain the fans and be a personality.

“Christian Eriksen in more recent years but since him they probably haven’t had that type of player. I’d put myself in that category, I’m not putting myself on the same level. But I’m that type of player.”

The 23-year-old also spoke about getting to inherit the number 10 jersey from Harry Kane who departed for Bayern Munich in the closing days of the transfer window.

“I didn’t want Harry to leave but when he did leave and the number 10 shirt became free and the club asked me, then of course I wanted to wear it. It’s my favourite number. I’ve got it tattooed on me, I loved that number growing up as a kid so I was never going to say no,” Maddison said.