Sissoko on Everton links and justifying £30m price

Matt Stead

Tottenham summer signing Moussa Sissoko insists he feels no extra pressure to justify his £30million price tag.

Spurs forked out the hefty fee on deadline day two weeks ago after previously hoping Newcastle might reduce their asking price.

A late offer from Everton, however, forced them to meet the Magpies’ demands and Sissoko signed a five-year deal to move to White Hart Lane.

The 27-year-old’s switch represented a break from chairman Daniel Levy’s transfer policy of targeting players aged 25 or younger and not paying inflated fees.

Boss Mauricio Pochettino, however, was desperate to inject some pace into his attack and Sissoko believes the transfer benefited all parties.

“For me it is the same. I don’t have pressure,” Sissoko said.

“Newcastle asked for £30m, Tottenham paid it so that is good for me, good for Newcastle and good for Tottenham.

“Everyone is happy so that is the most important thing.”

Everton were left disappointed after Sissoko looked set to to join them before Tottenham’s late bid.

The Frenchman, however, who came on as a substitute against Monaco on Wednesday, said the chance to play in the Champions League swayed his decision.

“I spoke with Everton but when Tottenham came I wanted to join this club directly because it is a big club. Everything in my head was clear so I signed here,” Sissoko said.

“I’ve played in the Europa League and World Cups, I wanted to play in the Champions League. So I said yes I wanted to join this place.

“I’m very happy to be here. I need to work hard and be 100 per cent as soon as possible and help the team to win something and help them do well this season.”

Spurs’ European campaign began with a 2-1 defeat as Monaco spoiled their opening night at Wembley in front of a crowd of 85,011 – a record home attendance for an English club.

Pochettino’s men return to White Hart Lane on Sunday as they look to maintain their unbeaten start in the Premier League against Sunderland.

“The most important thing is we have a good reaction,” Sissoko said.

“We deserved to draw the game against Monaco but it was a bad day for us. We need to learn from this game and focus on the next game against Sunderland.”