Moussa Sissoko has completed quite the turnaround at Tottenham this season, but the Frenchman always knew it was something he was capable of.
Sissoko, 29, has gone from the top of most fans' 'to sell' lists to one of the first names on Mauricio Pochettino's teamsheet this season. His partnership with Harry Winks has flourished and carried Spurs through months without key figures, winning the former Newcastle man a place in hearts of the Spurs support.
The midfielder arrived at Tottenham on deadline day 2016 for a then club record £30million, but has not found his place in the side until now.
"I knew I could be a success here," Sissoko told the Daily Mail. "I was unlucky in that I signed on the final day of the transfer window, so I did not have pre-season with the squad. I did not know the players very well. Everything was new. The level was bigger than my previous teams.
"It is normal to take time but they paid a lot of money for you, so they want results straight away. I wanted to play more. I used to play every game at Newcastle and Toulouse. I had to be really strong in the mind. Sometimes you have bad moments.
"I was left out of the World Cup last summer. It was hard. I was in touch with the players, supporting them. I watched it in London with my missus. I so wanted to be there.
"I just kept saying in my mind, 'Keep working and I know it will be a success'. I listened to the manager Mauricio Pochettino. I am so happy I did not give up. It is never too late."
He will once again play a big role as Spurs look to end a disappointing week on a high against north London rivals.
Tottenham's title charge came to an end with defeats against Burnley and Chelsea, but three points against fourth-place Arsenal would lift spirits and put a healthy buffer between those chasing the final Champions League spot and Pochettino's side.
Sissoko is firmly focused on Tottenham now, but his footballing hero hailed from the red half of north London.
"My first impressions of English football were the Arsenal team under Arsene Wenger," he said.
"All the French players were there — Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira. My idol was Vieira. In the playground, I was Vieira.
"That is why I wanted to play in England. I was the same position, we have a similar style. He was a complete idol. It's why, when I had the chance to come to Newcastle, I didn't think twice. Now I am at a massive club in Tottenham."
