The recent summer transfer window was filled with a multitude of surprising deals, including Emerson Royal's move to Tottenham from Barcelona.
Emerson had just joined Barcelona from Real Betis earlier in the window. He was competing with Sergino Dest for the team's starting right-back job, but those aspirations were put to a screeching end after the Brazilian signed with Spurs on transfer deadline day.
Days removed from the transfer, Emerson is still shocked by his sudden move away from Barca.
In speaking to the Spanish-based outlet Marca, Emerson offered a behind-the-scenes account on just why he suddenly signed with the Premier League side.
“I thought the club [Barca] wanted me to stay,” Emerson said. “I played as a starter on Sunday. The next day I woke up and went to train calmly. Then I started to see that a lot of things were coming out, that Tottenham were talking to Barcelona, that it was almost a done deal.
“I didn't understand anything that was happening because I didn't know anything. In the afternoon, the club called me to go to the Ciudad Deportiva because they wanted to talk to me and that's when I found out that they wanted to sell me.
“I met with the club's directors. They began to tell me that the club's situation was not good, that it was going through a complicated moment and that it was better for them to sell. … I am smart and there came a moment when I realized that they were telling me to leave, no matter what. They were sending me away with very good words.”
The Brazilian talent is well displeased with how the entire debacle panned out with Barca club officials. But in the end, he is satisfied with the fact that he has joined a Tottenham side that has a plan for him with the team.
“Now I'm leaving happy because I'm totally focused on Tottenham and with the idea of succeeding there,” Emerson said. “They have a project for me. They have given me the love I deserve, and that's why I'm going there with a great illusion.”
The now-former Barcelona talent is expected to compete right out of the gate for Tottenham’s starting right-back role.
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