Fernando Llorente reveals he snubbed Chelsea to join Tottenham because of boss Mauricio Pochettino
Spanish hitman was courted by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte for over six months before he chose to leave Swansea for Spurs
FERNANDO LLORENTE hailed Mauricio Pochettino as the reason he joined Tottenham.
The Spanish hitman was courted by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte for over six months before he chose to leave Swansea for Spurs.
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But Llorente, 32, made a £15million move to Spurs on deadline day after Spurs boss Poch convinced him to snub Blues.
The striker explained: "The truth is that Chelsea have been after me for a long time but at the end you know how this works.
"At the very last minute, Pochettino called me and convinced me. The Tottenham project is impressive.
"They have done very well in the last few years, and I think I fit very well with this project. I think I can help them a lot."
Llorente faced former Espanyol defender Poch at the age of 19 on his senior debut for Athletic Bilbao in January 2005.
After making his Spurs debut in the 3-1 Champions League win over Dortmund, Llorente explained why he just couldn't turn down the Argentinian's advances.
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He added: "It is clear that Pochettino played a very important role in the decision. I have known him since he was playing in Spain.
"I made my first-team debut against him at San Mames. He was at the end of his playing career and I was at the beginning of mine.
"Then he was the Espanyol manager and I faced him several more times. Now I play under him at Tottenham and I really want to give my best.
"I'm very happy to have my first minutes, and I couldn't wait.
"Little by little I'm feeling better in myself and looking to find my rhythm. I really want to do my bit."
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