Serge Aurier has set straight the claim that a move to Arsenal was on the cards after completing a free transfer to Villarreal.
The right-back spent four years with Tottenham, making more than 100 appearances for the Premier League club after joining in a £23million move from Paris Saint-Germain.
But Aurier failed to match expectations at Spurs, with his inconsistent displays seeing him frequently dropped by a succession of managers.
He did start both last season’s Carabao Cup final and the 2019 Champions League final for the club, but new boss Nuno Espirito Santo made clear that he would not be in his plans.
As a result, Tottenham attempted to find a buyer for him this summer, but when none was forthcoming, agreed to mutually terminate his contract.
That allowed the Ivorian to become a free agent, with Arsenal one of the clubs he was linked to as the Gunners searched for a replacement for Hector Bellerin.
Sky Sports even reported that Aurier would consider a move to Tottenham’s biggest rivals, though by that point Takehiro Tomiyasu has already arrived at the Emirates Stadium.
And Aurier has now moved to rubbish the claims that he was set to join Arsenal, who he has branded the “enemy”.
Did Spurs make the right decision in letting Aurier leave? Comment below.
It comes as the 28-year-old signed a one-year deal with Villarreal, where he will work under former Gunners boss Unai Emery.
“First of all, I would like to thank all the Spurs fans for these four wonderful seasons with you,” he wrote in a statement on Instagram.
“They were all different but I leave with some great memories. I really enjoyed playing the game wearing your colours proudly.
“It is true that not everything was perfect, there were moments of joy and sadness but know one thing, I have always played 100 per cent, without cheating!
“I have never seen myself at another club in England if not at your place!
“And I didn’t see myself joining the enemy even less because I have too much respect for our club, for our history and for all our moments shared together.”
Aurier also delivered a thank you message to Spurs supporters, despite frequently becoming the target of their anger during his time at the club.
And he has also wished them luck for the coming season, with Nuno’s men currently sitting in eighth in the Premier League table.
“You have shown unfailing support during these four seasons and I really want to thank you because you have given me so much!
“The last few months have not been easy and I would have liked to say goodbye to you on better terms, but each story comes to an end, you have to know how to accept it and move on!
“I wish you the best for this season and I promise I will be seeing you again, you will not be forgetting me anytime soon! Good luck @spursofficial.”
