‘He will go down as a legend’ – Ange leads tributes to Hugo

The tributes have poured in for Club legend Hugo Lloris after his departure to MLS side Los Angeles FC was announced at the end of December, 2023.

Hugo made 447 appearances in all competitions, seventh on our all-time list, with his 11-year spell, nine of those as Club captain, leaving an indelible mark on our history and creating a legacy as a true modern day goalkeeping great.

In that time, he became our first player to reach 300 Premier League appearances, remaining our top appearance maker in the top flight on 361, and kept 127 clean sheets in the league. He is also France’s record cap holder with 145 senior international appearances and reached the pinnacle on the world stage when he captained Les Blues to FIFA World Cup glory in 2018.

The 36-year-old bowed out with a heartfelt goodbye in person at half-time of our win over Bournemouth at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on New Year's Eve, with Ange Postecoglou, Guglielmo Vicario and Ben Davies since paying tribute to one of our greatest servants as he leaves for a new challenge in the United States of America.

Watch - Hugo thanks supporters and receives an award as he waves goodbye in N17

Ange’s high praise for 'absolute professional' Hugo

An example for all to follow and a true leader in the dressing room, the goalkeeper has conducted himself with dignity and professionalism throughout his time in north London which has continued under Ange despite not featuring under our Head Coach this season.

So much so that the Australian has praised the 'absolute gentleman' that is Hugo and has hailed the goalkeeper’s influence on the squad, particularly Vicario, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind in north London.

"He will definitely go down as a legend at this club," said Ange. "Not just because of his appearances, but when you captain a big club like this for so long…

"I said before I don't think my opinion on him is paramount here because my services are fairly miniscule compared to his but in the time I've worked with him he's been an absolute professional and an absolute gentlemen. I can see why he was highly regarded.

"He was great to have in the group, great for Vic to share a dressing room with a World Cup winner and it is a credit to him for the way he has conducted himself.

"I caught up with him a couple of days ago and wished him all the best. I know he will love the adventure of the MLS and doing something different in your career adds something to it. He goes off with our best wishes and an undeniable impact on this football club."

Watch - Some of Hugo's best saves in the England's top flight

Vicario on the honour to work with Hugo

Similar to Hugo’s arrival from Lyon on 31 August, 2012, at 25 years old, Vicario was one year older when he joined us from Serie A side Empoli in the summer window and has made quite the impact in his first six months with us.

With Brad Friedel and Carlo Cudicini already at the Club in 2012, Hugo quickly impressed to secure the number one spot in November, 2012, whilst having two experienced Premier League players to learn from in the goalkeeping department.

In 2023/24, we have seen another changing of the guard, with Vicario establishing himself as our first choice and as one of the best in the division with some stellar performances between the sticks so far this term.

Playing in a new league and country, the Italian has spoken about the privilege of working alongside such a great role model in World Cup winner Hugo and has high praise indeed after learning from one of the best players in his position.

"I can just say that it’s been an honour to have the opportunity to work with him even just for six months," Vicario said.

"He’s an unbelievable professional player every day with me, he helped me a lot in every training session and what he did for this club is just amazing.

"All the best to Hugo and what he did for this club, what he achieved, also with the national team, because when you lift up the World Cup as captain, you reach the best in your life.

"He’s the best keeper, he’s been here a long time, 11 seasons, lots of clean sheets, Champions League. I just wish him all the best for the future.

"He’s a fantastic guy and I’m very proud I can say from my heart to have met him in my career was a very good experience."

Ben on the huge influence Hugo has had on his Spurs journey

Such has been the longevity of these two stalwarts in our squad, you need to go back to July, 2014, when a young Welsh defender joined the Club from Swansea City that summer.

Almost a decade later, Ben has now amassed 326 appearances in all competitions in our colours, 222 of those in the Premier League, and has shared some incredible memories with Hugo along the way perhaps none more so than our memorable run to the 2019 Champions League final.

Now with bags of experience for both club and country, the 85-cap Wales international has described just how important Hugo was at helping him settle in north London and has told of his influence on the pitch with a glowing endorsement of having such a talented goalkeeper behind him over the years.

"He’s been a real help to me ever since I arrived," explained Ben. "He was great when I first came and was a young kid, pretty much, and didn’t know the big world of Spurs.

"He’s one of those guys who had everyone’s back at all times, and, what a keeper as well. That does count for something! He was a great team-mate and someone it will be a shame not to play with anymore."