Post by jockcas on Jul 16, 2013 20:01:52 GMT
Roma signing Tin Jedvaj has confirmed that he was subject to interest from Tottenham before he sealed a switch to the Stadio Olimpico.
The 17-year-old had caught the eye of Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas (above) and was expected to complete a move to White Hart Lane earlier in the transfer window.
But speculation cooled over a prospective deal, paving the way for the Croatian to complete his move to Serie A.
And Jedvaj has since spoken of Tottenham’s efforts to lure him, admitting the Italian side swooped with a stronger offer.
"In the last weeks, there had been a strong interest from Tottenham, but Roma did a strong negotiation and now I'm happy to be in this group," the defender said.
"My hope is to win titles, to repay the faith the club showed me and to show myself at the best of my potential to help Roma get a European place.
"My main aim is to stay here, playing with Roma and staying for many years. I feel myself ready to play with the main team and not the youth one.
"Do I know about Marquinhos? Sure, he only started playing with Roma last year and now the whole of Europe knows him. He's the best example that age doesn't count."