New Tottenham signing Serge Aurier has claimed that he turned down a new contract offer from former club PSG and decided to Spurs this summer.
Spurs completed the signing of Aurier on deadline day from the French giants and he has been viewed as a replacement for Kyle Walker, who joined Manchester City this summer.
During his time with PSG, Aurier was the centre of attention of a number of controversial off the field incidents. Among his transgressions included a two month suspended jail sentence for attacking a police officer. It was however downgraded upon appeal.
He will now be hoping to use his time with Mauricio Pochettino’s side to try to restore his reputation as well as establish himself as one of the best right backs in world football. He no doubt has the talent to achieve that.
While talking about his move to the North London side, Aurier said, “I wanted a new life because PSG didn’t respect my true worth. They dwelt on other matters beside football. Statistically speaking, I am the most influential defender in Ligue 1 between 2013 and now. I have also won nine trophies with PSG.
“There are more striking things about my career than what happened off the field, but this is what they preferred to linger over. I feel free now. PSG offered me a new three-year deal, but I have left them for a new adventure. I turned them down for a number of reasons. I want to discover a new way of life.
“I got on well with everyone at the club – bosses, players, coaches and fans – and the proof comes from the fact they wanted to keep me. But I had to think of myself. It is a personal decision. I had some business with the police that was blown up by the media in Europe.
“Normally when a matter goes on for a year or more they move on to something else. But in my case, there was far too much of a fuss. If I hadn’t been mentally strong I would have cracked up.”
