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Yves Bissouma says he is struggling to believe he will be playing Champions League football after sealing his £25million move Tottenham.
The 25-year-old signed a four-year deal with Spurs on Friday, becoming Antonio Conte’s third signing of the transfer window as the Italian looks to build on last season’s fourth-placed finish in the Premier League.
Tottenham edged out local rivals Arsenal to secure Champions League qualification last month and had already added Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster to their squad before bringing in Bissouma.
Bissouma played 26 times for Brighton and Hove Albion as they secured an impressive ninth-placed finish last term.
The Mali international said he will fulfil a childhood dream by playing in Europe’s premier club competition.
“I’m very happy to be here, happy to be a Spurs player and hopefully we’re going to have a good season,” he said. “I’m going to give everything to try to win every game, to stay at the top.
“But, as everyone knows, the Premier League is not easy. We’re going to work really hard to keep the ambition high.
“We have a good group, and a great coach, everyone knows him. I know I can pass this step with him. I know he will help me more to be what I want to be and try to help the team as well. I’m very happy to play with him.
“It’s my dream to play Champions League. I remember when I was younger, I watched the Champions League every day. I can’t believe [I’m going] to play Champions League with Spurs.
“I was born in Ivory Coast, in my dad’s village. When I was young football was my life, I wanted to play football every day, every moment. If I don’t play football, I’m not happy.
“We just played on the street with friends, no shoes. But we enjoyed this moment, I was young, my friends as well. It’s one part of my life. I was happy.
“I’ve come so far, from Issia to Spurs, Champions League music… imagine. The emotion is too much.”
