“He was a bit boring” – Player on club’s president’s repeat calls to get him out of Tottenham

Ivan Perisic was today presented at his new club Hajduk Split. Following his departure from Tottenham Hotspur, he’s joining the Croatian side on a loan deal which will become permanent in the summer.

The 34-year-old is still recovering from a knee injury which is sidelining him for a few more months. He today spoke to the local media, and quoted by Sportske, explained how long it should take until he’s back on the pitch.

“I started running 10-15 days ago. Everything is okay. I hope to be on the field as soon as possible. The return could be in April, but I don’t know exactly when. We are following every step, we will not rush. I’m going to Belgrade, where I did 80% of the rehabilitation with doctor Milutinović accompanying me. We are making good progress. We work every day, all day,” said Perisic.

Perisic was also asked about the calls from Hajduk president Lukša Jakobušić, and confirmed that he received many invites from him to make the move from Tottenham.

“He was a bit boring, haha. He’s persistent, so am I. I don’t accept anything below first place.”

Perisic had already played for Hajduk’s academy, having left the club back in 2006, when he moved abroad. He then played for FC Sochaux, KSV Roeselare, Club Brugge, Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and finally Tottenham.

His arrival at Spurs happened in the summer of 2022 in a free move from the Nerazzurri. During his time in London, he had one goal and 14 assists in 50 appearances, and any chances of succeeding this season were finished with his knee injury.