Moussa Sissoko crowned Legends' Player of the Season

Moussa Sissoko was today (Tuesday 28 May) presented with the inaugural Tottenham Hotspur Legends’ Player of the Season award.

Voted for by the iconic former players who regularly work behind the scenes on home matchdays, the newly-introduced prize was handed to the midfielder in front of his team-mates and the coaching staff at the conclusion of today’s training session at Hotspur Way.

“I’m very proud, very happy and it’s a real honour to receive this trophy from the Legends of the Club,” smiled Moussa, who has made 43 appearances in all competitions this season ahead of Saturday’s Champions League Final. “With the careers these Legends have had, to receive this trophy from them is something very special and I’m very happy with that – thanks to them 100 times! If they’ve enjoyed what I’ve done this year I’m very pleased and I will try to keep going in the same way, especially on Saturday when we have a big opportunity to make history for the Club. This award is because of my team-mates, all the staff, the fans, my family and everybody who is behind Tottenham, so thanks to all of them.”

Former defender Graham Roberts handed over the trophy to Moussa on behalf of the group of Legends in attendance at the Training Centre, including Micky Hazard, Ossie Ardiles, Ricky Villa, Pat Jennings, Cliff Jones, Paul Allen, Justin Edinburgh, Mark Falco, Tony Galvin, Paul Miller, John Lacy and John Pratt.

“We, as the Legends of the Club, felt we wanted to give a Player of the Season award, the Club has allowed us to do that so we had a vote and Moussa Sissoko came out on top, quite convincingly,” said Graham. “He’s won the fans over and his performances this year have been second to none. It’s his strength, his energy and the fact that he never gives up. When he goes on those runs, people just back off him, it’s like they’re frightened of him! He’s had an amazing season and we just wanted to reward him before the Champions League Final.”

Former midfielder Micky added: “This is going to be an annual thing from now on and, this year, I think the award is well deserved by Moussa. He’s transformed himself, which takes a lot of character and belief, and he’s shown courage beyond himself. All the boys have watched him in all the games and we genuinely feel that he’s deserved and earned this award. He’s brought energy, legs, heart, desire, fight, a will to win and this year especially he’s added more quality. As a former player, I’d have loved to have received an award from those Legends who went before me. I think it means even more because you’ve been there and done it and you’re choosing who you think the Player of the Season has been.”

Ossie said: “We’re here to present the first Legends’ Player of the Season award in the history of the Club and this year it’s going to be Moussa Sissoko. He’s had an extraordinary season, he’s been absolutely brilliant. Especially with the way he started his career with us, it was very difficult for him but he’s come to his level of play in an incredible manner and right now I believe he’s one of our most important players.”

Paul Miller said: “We all decided, because of the season he’s had, that Moussa had to deserve something and it’s a great way to start this annual award. For me, Moussa has been an outstanding player, consistently good with his power, pace, strength, ability to tackle and physicality. He seems to be a lovable guy and everybody has been pleased for him because when we’ve needed him, he’s stood up and been a major influence on our team.”

Also after Tuesday’s training session, Ossie and Ricky surprised fellow countryman Mauricio Pochettino by introducing him to one of his childhood idols – star of Argentina’s 1978 World Cup-winning campaign, Mario Kempes.

“It’s going to be a great surprise for Mauricio,” Ossie told us beforehand. “Mauricio grew up appreciating our team in 1978 and from that squad, Mario was one of the biggest names and one of the very best players ever to play for Argentina. They’re from the same part of Argentina as well, so it’s great to be able to introduce them.”