Source: Daily_Mail
PICTURE SPECIAL: Robbie raring to go after first training session with Spurs
Robbie Keane has expressed his delight at returning 'home' to Tottenham. The 28-year-old Ireland striker endured a torrid time at Liverpool following his £20million summer move from north London to Merseyside and manager Rafa Benitez decided to cut his losses and allow Keane a return to White Hart Lane for £15m on transfer deadline day. Back in black: Keane looks the part in the Spurs training kitSpeaking to Tottenham's official website, Keane said: 'Coming back to Spurs was an easy decision to make because this is my home. Firstly, in respect of the club - but also my house is in the area and everything is set up for me to walk right back into. Old pals act: Pascal Chimbonda (left) is also back for a second spell at the Lane'I'm delighted to be back at a club I have very strong feelings from having previously spent six wonderful years here. 'It would have been difficult for me to have gone anywhere else while a club I have such strong feelings for has this fight on its hands. 'It's funny how football works sometimes and situations turn around very quickly, but I can assure fans I will be giving my all to make sure this club stays in the Premier League.' And Keane revealed his determination to fire relegation-threatened Tottenham up the table. Front runner: Keane sets the pace with Didier Zokora and Michael Dawson On the ball: Keane stays focused as fellow new boy Wilson Palacios closes inHe said: 'It's been an up-and-down season for the club and there's been a lot of change, including a change of manager, but now it's up to us as players to start getting the team up the table. 'I'm coming back to a fantastic club with fantastic players. I am extremely excited about this new chapter in my career, even though it doesn't feel as if the previous chapter really ended.' A good sign: Keane was happy to give autographs as he left trainingDespite Keane's nightmare spell at Liverpool, the Irishman refused to criticise his former club. 'It was a difficult time for me at Liverpool, but there's no point in dwelling on it.' Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp expressed his delight at adding Keane's signature to earlier January buys Jermain Defoe, Wilson Palacios, Carlo Cudicini and Pascal Chimbonda. 'I'm delighted to have Robbie back. I couldn't be more pleased. I think he's a terrific player, a terrific character and just the type of lad we need here. 'He's a leader, he gives his all every time he plays and has great ability. He will be fantastic for us and his enthusiasm will rub off on other players around him. 'The chairman has been tremendous in backing me and bringing these players back. I know Daniel (Levy) worked very hard to try and keep Robbie here in the first place and just as hard to get him back. 'Robbie knows what he's doing, you can rely on him; he's a clever player and plays with that enthusiasm.' Benitez points the finger at Keane for his failure to become a Liverpool legendSelling Keane is a risk worth taking, insists Liverpool boss BenitezJAMIE REDKNAPP: Robbie has point to prove after his Rafa nightmareLiverpool offloading Keane during the title run-in is pure madnessSpurs return has Keane climbing the cash table with only Anelka and Veron more expensiveSpurs boss Harry satisfied with his new recruits at White Hart LaneHow will Redknapp, the fan of little and large partnerships up front, manage to fit Keane and Defoe in the same Spurs team?TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET