Radu Dragusin explains why he spurned Bayern for Tottenham
The 21-year-old Romania defender made his Premier League debut at Manchester United on Sunday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tottenham new boy Radu Dragusin believes “the sky is the limit” after turning down Bayern Munich to join Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Having completed the loan signing of Germany forward Timo Werner last week, the north London club won the race to sign the Romania defender from under the noses of the Bundesliga giants.
Dragusin signed a six-and-a-half-year deal at Spurs after rejecting Bayern’s advances in a move that could eventually see Genoa receive up to £25million.
Asked if it was correct he had spurned Bayern, the 21-year-old said: “Yes, that is right.
“I chose Tottenham because I felt it was the right step for me and I had a really good conversation with the coach.
“I saw that they wanted me from a long time ago, like one month before the transfer window, so I thought this is the right choice for me.
“I really believe in this team and that it is a good environment for me to continue my career and to progress in this incredible stadium and team-mates.”
Dragusin said it was an “incredible feeling” to make his debut as a substitute in Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Manchester United and believes exciting things are happening at Spurs.
“My dream was to play in the Premier League, so that was part of it,” he said of the decision to join Tottenham.
“I think the team here, the guys here, are on a good trajectory. I felt joining them can help me a lot.
“The sky is the limit. We hope we will be as high as possible in the league and we can then see from there.”
Dragusin says he likes “the physicality, intensity, speed and aggression” of the Premier League and is proud to be the fourth Romanian to represent Spurs.
He knows there is competition at centre-back from the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven but reckons that “can make each other progress and grow”.
There is certainly no chance of Dragusin being overawed by the challenge, having earned his big-money move to Tottenham after taking a step back by leaving Juventus.
The defender moved to Turin aged 16 and went on to make four first-team appearances, before being farmed out to Sampdoria, Salernitana and then Genoa in Serie B.
The latter turned their loan into a permanent move as they were promoted last season, before the Rossoblu sold him to Spurs last week.
“I have believed in myself since the beginning and I wanted to play football,” Dragusin said.
“I understand there are a lot of sacrifices to be made and a lot of days I will be on my own training, developing, but this is my dream and I won’t stop until I reach the highest level possible in my career.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments