Of the stranger deals down the years, Tottenham electing to pay so much for Moussa Sissoko was one that confused plenty.
Sissoko had impressed during his time at Newcastle United, but few saw the logic behind Tottenham moving to add him to their squad at such a lofty price.
They continued to struggle to see the logic behind the transfer when Sissoko struggled to impress at White Hart Lane, with most quickly labelling the Frenchman a flop.
He’s since proved the doubters wrong, though, becoming a crucial part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans and enjoying a superb season last year.
Sissoko will be proud of his redemption, and insists he never thought about leaving the club, despite his struggles.
“I did not want to stay on a failure,” he told Le Parisien.
“I never thought of leaving Tottenham; it gave me, even more, the desire to do well. I have a winning mentality; it has been like that throughout my career.
“I do not make any noise; I do not come to the media to say that I had to play.”
Sissoko has picked up where he left off last season, featuring in all four of Tottenham’s first four Premier League games.
He’s now a key player under Pochettino, with the Argentine relying on the Frenchman’s athletic ability and running power to drag his team up the pitch.
The confidence the Spurs boss has shown in Sissoko is now showing in his game, and the player admits something has changed.
“Perhaps I have never felt as strong as today,” he added.
“I am comfortable, fulfilled, confident. It is often said that the best form of a player is between 28 and 30 years old. I did not believe it more than that, but I have certainly had my best season since starting playing football. I must continue to ride this wave.
“I say a lot more on the pitch. Before I was impressive thanks to my size, today I speak more, I ask more the ball, I try more things.”
