Ginola to return in Legends game

We are delighted to announce that David Ginola will be part of our Spurs Legends squad to take on Inter Forever at the new stadium on Saturday.

The iconic former winger, who dazzled in our side during the late-1990s and enjoyed League Cup success with us in 1999, will step out as part of our star-studded group of ex-players in the final Test Event match at our new home – the first ever senior men’s football match to take place there – as we take on some of the past greats from Italian giants Internazionale.

While the fixture represents a significant occasion in our history, it’s also set to be a poignant moment for David, who will pull on his boots for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrest in a charity match in France nearly three years ago. Now fully recovered, the 52-year-old is thrilled at the prospect of appearing at our world-class new stadium.

“I am so delighted to have the opportunity to return to Spurs and play in this special game in the Club’s new stadium,” said David. “I have heard and seen so many good things about this amazing new home that Spurs have built and to be able to be there for this historic Legends match is really exciting. I can’t wait to go out onto the pitch for the first time in front of all the fans who supported me so brilliantly when I played for Tottenham and who have continued to support me in the years since I left. Of course, we all know what happened when I last played football but thankfully everything has been fine since then and I can’t wait to put my boots on again and play some minutes in this wonderful new venue.”

One of David’s popular former team-mates from the late-1990s has also been confirmed in the Spurs Legends squad for Saturday – German international midfielder Steffen Freund.

“It will be outstanding to run out at the stadium in front of so many supporters,” Steffen smiled. “It’ll be another special moment for me. Next January, I’m 50 and I guess this is a little bit of an early birthday present. It will be the same for everyone. To be a part of this new era with the stadium, the Club… what can you say? There is nothing better at the moment. I know how the supporters feel and it will be the same feeling from me on Saturday. I can’t wait to see them all again. It will be an outstanding atmosphere, for sure.”

Legends team manager Gary Mabbutt has also bolstered his defence with the addition of former Cameroon international Sebastien Bassong, who scored three goals in 71 appearances for us between 2009 and 2012.

In addition, we are pleased to confirm that Robbie Keane will captain the team on Saturday. Our legendary former striker – 11th in our all-time top goalscoring list with 122 goals in 306 appearances – expressed his delight at the news as we prepare to take on another of his former clubs.

“First of all, it’s a great honour to pull the jersey back on and play for Spurs again,” he said. “The stadium is incredible, I can’t wait to get out there and play in it and then to be wearing the captain’s armband is the cherry on the top. I can’t wait. I’m excited to play in front of the fans again.”