Fernando Llorente has explained his decision behind snubbing Chelsea for a move to Tottenham on transfer deadline day.
Llorente looked set to link back up with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte - the coach he spent two years working under at Juventus - as the final day of the summer window approached following months of interest,
However, Spurs swooped in to agree a £14m deal with Swansea City and Llorente says he "fell in love" after speaking to Mauricio Pochettino on the phone and Chelsea were left to rue slow transfer negotiations.
"It was a difficult decision that I had to take at the last moment," he told Marca. "Conte, whom I admired since I was with him at Juventus, showed a great interest in me since last January. But Chelsea did not finish the deal with Swansea.
"With Tottenham everything was easier and faster. Pochettino called me on August 30 and I fell in love. I was filled with enthusiasm by his words and his sports project ... I thought I was going to Chelsea but Tottenham were more firm in their intention to sign me.
"They reached an agreement very quickly with Swansea and despite all of those difficult circumstances [with Chelsea], I decided to come to Tottenham.
"I know [Pochettino], I know how he worked at Espanyol, Southampton, and how he has changed Tottenham in three years. This club has a lot of stability, they are a family and the project is spectacular, it does not stop growing. I'm very happy to be here."
Llorente has made six appearances for Spurs since his move, but is yet to open his account.
