https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...eague-everton-and-Saudi Sportswashing Machine
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Moussa Sissoko has no regrets as he eyes the big time at Tottenham
....The 27-year-old also has some explaining to do to Everton’s fans, after the dramatic U-turn that he performed on transfer deadline day. He was set to move to Goodison Park after the club eventually met Saudi Sportswashing Machine’s asking price of £30m and they had chartered a private jet to take him to Merseyside. But Sissoko did not board. Instead, he went to Tottenham, who had matched Everton’s offer at the last moment and, after the formalities of the deal had been completed, they could announce him as their joint-record signing.
Sissoko has his explanation and it may make uncomfortable reading for the
Everton support. And, that of Saudi Sportswashing Machine, too. “I said in the past that I wanted to move to join a big team,” he said. “I had the chance to come here [to Tottenham]. I am very happy and very proud to be here.”
Sissoko is not a guy who pulls his punches and he tells his side of the story regarding Everton with candour. According to him, they had wanted him for some time but they failed to move decisively until the last moment. And, when it came down to a straight choice between them and Tottenham, there was only one to make.
“It’s simple,” Sissoko said. “I spoke with Everton in the past, but they didn’t make an offer to Saudi Sportswashing Machine when I wanted. And then Tottenham came. And so when they came, I wanted to join this club, directly. Because, like I said, it’s a big club. So, in my head, everything was clear. I wanted to sign here.”
The Champions League played a major part in the decision and Sissoko, who is short of peak fitness, got his first taste of the competition when he came on as an 81st-minute substitute in Tottenham’s
2-1 defeat by Monaco at Wembley. “I played a lot of games – Europa League, World Cup, Euro 2016 – but I wanted to play Champions League,” he said. “So, when Tottenham came, I said: ‘Yes.’ Now, I need to work hard and be at 100% as soon as possible.”