Tottenham signed Serge Aurier on deadline day.
From a footballing perspective, Tottenham pulled off a coup by signing Serge Aurier on deadline day.
Off the field they took a chance, with Aurier having a chequered history inside the dressing room and out of it.
Aurier was never far from controversy at Paris Saint-Germain, banned from the first team temporarily by former boss Laurent Blanc for insulting him on social media, and then convicted for an assault in Paris.
The Ivory Coast international was warned late last year by national legend Didier Drogba, who told French broadcaster RTL that Aurier needed “to really become aware and realise what he represents now.”
Aurier accepted the public criticism, and even though he knew Drogba well and he could have spoken with him privately.
He told Canal+ Sport that it was a little of a wake up call. He said: “He’s in the best position to judge me.
“He has given me a lot of advice. I often went on holiday with him. I took it as advice. It was a little barb, but I took it well. I know the fella, and I know he likes me a lot.”
While his role in the PSG team became reduced over the course of last season, Aurier knuckled down and has not caused any drama since.
So much so that Tottenham were convinced to sign him.
If Aurier was still embroiled in controversy, Spurs would not have made a move.
Instead they must have been convinced that Aurier has new focus and commitment to his career, and responsibilities.
Providing he can see it through and stick to it, Premier League legend Drogba’s intervention already looks invaluable.
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