Radu Drăgușin: “I can say that all my dreams came true”
Thu 11 January 2024, 22:36|
Tottenham Hotspur
Radu Drăgușin said it was always Spurs for him once he heard of our interest, with the decision made ‘inside of my heart’.
The Romania international defender has joined us from Serie A side Genoa, signing a contract that will run until 2030. He will wear the number six shirt.
Born and brought up in Bucharest, Radu, 21, left home early to join Juventus. After loans at Sampdoria and Salernitana, he’s been a model of consistency at Genoa, ever-present as they were promoted from Serie B to Serie A last season and again in the top flight this time around – a run of 57 consecutive starts. His performances have already earned 13 caps for Romania.
Speaking to us after putting pen to paper, Radu explained: “I can say that I decided to join Spurs since I heard the interest of this club. I thought about it, I put every aspect in play, and I think this is the best step for my career.
“I also know the club has an incredible fanbase, they have incredible staff and players, so I was looking forward to joining. I can say that the decision was inside of my heart, already done. It’s incredible. I didn’t imagine all of this and I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and starting on the pitch.”
Speaking perfect English, Radu told us that he’d spoken with Ange Postecoglou. “Basically, he told me that he really wants me to join, he likes my way of playing and he is thinking that I’m a good fit for this team. This was obviously helping me, and I felt a really good connection with him as soon as he spoke to me. I like this kind of football, high defensive line, aggression, with a lot of space at the back to defend. I’m really excited.”
Moving to Juve aged just 16 in 2018, Radu, who will now be reunited with former team-mates Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski, added: “It’s a big step for me but I feel like it’s the right step. All my life, I’ve wanted to play football at the highest level and play in the Premier League, so I can say that all my dreams came true and I’m just looking forward to it.
“I’m ready for the challenge. I’ve always liked this league, the physicality of it, the intensity of this league and I think it’s a really good league to grow and extend my career. I’m really happy to be here, I’m really excited and I can’t wait to step foot on the pitch.”
