When Aston Villa made their interest known in the dying embers of the summer window, the former Tottenham Hotspur benchwarmer decided to listen to his heart instead.
The Copa America winners’ head might have told him to stay in the Premier League.
Reunite with former manager Unai Emery and play Champions League football in the claret and blue of Aston Villa.
But Giovani Lo Celso was in no mood to ignore the tugging on his heartstrings. Aston Villa may have been the move that made the most sense in terms of Lo Celso’s career prospects, having fallen out of favour under Ange Postecoglou.
But an emotional Real Betis homecoming was a possibility the prodigal son of the Verdiblancos could not pass up.
Aston Villa wanted Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham Hotspur
“I had several offers,” Lo Celso says at his presentation, via Real Betis’ official YouTube channel, when asked about the interest of Aston Villa.
“The markets are not easy but I made the decision with my heart, and I know that it was the best option I could choose for many factors. (Betis) club is constantly growing and has a coach (Manuel Pellegrini) with a lot of prominence.
“The truth is that I am very happy with this decision.”
Lo Celso, it should be said, did play the best football of his career in Andalusia.
It was his marvellous form throughout 2018/19 – scoring 16 goals that season alone – that convinced Tottenham to part with a club-record fee to bring the Argentina international to North London in the first place.
And while Betis initially ruled out the prospect of a return to familiar surroundings, their stance changed after Lo Celso’s fellow playmaker Nabil Fekir departed for the Middle East.
“I want to thank the president and the board. Years have passed but it seems like it was yesterday when I left the club,” adds a delighted Lo Celso. “I am very happy, very grateful. It was an easy decision to make.
“Since I left, people have always shown me their affection and that is important when making decisions for a player. I am guided by feelings.
“Let’s hope it is a great year for everyone. There is a great group and many nice objectives ahead.”
Spurs lay the groundwork for Johnny Cardoso deal
Lo Celso was greeted by a rapturous reception when coming off the bench for his second Betis debut in Friday’s 2-0 win over Leganes. It is no secret that both of the home side’s goals came after he was introduced on the hour mark.
HITC understands that Aston Villa wanted to sign Lo Celso as a free agent. Thus, Spurs would have had to terminate the final 12 months of his contract.
The deal that sends the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect back to Betis, then, looks a far better one not only for Lo Celso but for Tottenham as a whole.
Postecoglou’s side received £8.5 million, and now also have first refusal over a deal for Johnny Cardoso if they elect to move for the £25 million-rated USA international midfielder next year.
“Johnny is a player who is of interest to many teams,” Real Betis president Angel Haro tells Estadio Deportivo. “It is a purchase option, and we have given it to Tottenham for the amounts published (in the media).”
The post 'Easy decision': £8.5m ace asked about Aston Villa snub, listened to his 'heart' instead appeared first on HITC.
from HITC https://ift.tt/y4sbBt6
No comments: