Giovani reveals move reasons
30 Jun 2008 - 11:06:16
New Tottenham Hotspur signing Giovani Dos Santos has revealed he left Barcelona for the sake of his career.
The £4.7million Mexico international came through the ranks at Barcelona, but opted to join Spurs earlier in the month after struggling to break into the starting line-up at the Spanish giants.
The 19-year-old was a regular substitute at the Camp Nou last summer, but is hoping to make more of a first-team impact at White Hart Lane.
"Why did I go? For sporting reasons," he revealed.
"I am conscious that I was with a great club and that I needed patience to succeed because not ever moment was going to be good, but I am at an age where, if I want to be someone in the game, I have to play regularly.
"Barca tried to convince me to stay, but it was best that I left.
"I do not want to know about the economic side of the move, I just believe that I came out on top because I hope to have the chance to continue growing as a player with a team that will let me.
"I was at the club six years, all my career, and my parents now live in Barcelona and my brother is also playing for them.
"I learned so much on a sporting level and on a personal level. I have matured in many aspects. I have been through things that at my age is not always easy.
"Not everything in football is going to be good and when something like this comes along again I will be ready to react."