Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Alderweireld thanks Saints boss Ronald Koeman 'for a great year'

Toby Alderweireld has made an attempt to heal his rift with Southampton, after the Belgian defender completed a contentious move to Tottenham.

Alderweireld looked set to return to Southampton following his successful season on loan from Atletico Madrid after the south coast club activated a clause in their loan agreement to make the move for the 26-year-old permanent.

Yet Spurs found a way to secure a deal for Alderweireld, despite reports that Southampton were considering legal action for what they believe to be a breach of their agreement.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman had expressed his belief that Alderweireld would be one of his big signings this summer, with the centre-back offering these words as he looked to heal some rifts with the club he played for in the Premier League last season.

"I understand that there is some disappointment," Alderweireld told Sky Sports. "I have sent a text message to Ronald and thanked him for a great year.

"He gave me a lot of confidence and made me a better footballer. Thanks to Southampton I am able to be on the map again after a difficult year at Atletico.

"I gave 100 percent for Southampton and wish everyone luck for next season, but I have always been closely following Tottenham. It's always been a dream to play for a very big club this size and now it's come true. I'm very proud."

Alderweireld suggested he is eager to help Tottenham resolve the defensive problems that undermined their push for a top-four finish in last season's Premier League, after he joined compatriots Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele and Nacer Chaldi at Spurs.

"I got the impression that Spurs would like my help," he added. "Their stats were the reason why the club wanted to reinforce defensively. It's good that I have a year of experience playing in the Premier League.

"I also joined because there are so many Belgians. It will be fun to be with them every day on the training ground.

"Playing centre-back, right-back or in midfield, I will always give my all for this club. I'm looking forward to showing myself for the fans."

Southampton have not made any comment on Alderweireld's switch to Spurs, amid reports that they were compensated by Atletico Madrid following the confirmation of the transfer.

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