Eric Dier joins Tottenham: 20-year-old defender admits 'strange' journey after completing £4m move to Spurs
Dier joins Spurs after 14 years in Portugal having been unearthed by Sporting Lisbon
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Eric Dier admits it has been something of a "strange" journey that has taken him to signing for Tottenham - and he feels he is fulfilling a dream now the transfer is complete.
The 20-year-old Cheltenham-born player, who can operate as a defender or holding midfielder, has joined the Barclays Premier League side from Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon, where he came through the youth ranks.
Having finalised his switch on a five-year deal for around £4million, the England Under-21 international told Spurs TV: "I am really excited to be joining such a big club.
"It has always been my ambition and my dream to come back to England and play in the Premier League.
"The reason I moved to Portugal was nothing to do with football - it was because of my family.
"We moved there when I was six, I got picked up by Sporting when I was eight and I went through their youth system, all the way to the first team.
"It is kind of a strange background and everyone seems surprised by it. But it just happened that way really.
"At the beginning it was hard because I didn't really speak the language. I was seen as a bit of an outsider.
"But after I picked up the language when I was 12 or 13, it was really easy. I don't think they saw me as English - they pretty much saw me like one of their own.
"The Premier League was still the only league I watched really. It is on television in Portugal and it is the biggest league in the world in my opinion.
"Obviously I've watched a lot of Tottenham, and I've always enjoyed the way they play, their attacking football.
"I think, coming from Portugal, that suits me and this season I just want to adapt really quickly to the Premier League and do the best I can."
Dier, who had a spell on loan with Everton in 2011 to further his experience, made 26 league appearances overall for Sporting after making his debut in November 2012.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments