Former Tottenham midfielder and now Villarreal star Etienne Capoue has named Tim Sherwood as the reason why he eventually left the club in 2015.
In an interview with the Athletic, the 33-year-old, who last season became a European champion after winning the UEFA Europa League, claimed the ex-Spurs boss was more inclined to play English talent and youth from the academy.
Capoue was signed in the great spending splurge of 2013. However, the former France international was out the door within two years following multiple manager changes at the club. And he says Sherwood’s arrival was the catalyst for his departure.
Indeed, the French dynamo has gone on to thrive with Villarreal in Spain. And, according to Capoue, Sherwood was the man who planted the seed that would see him depart north London.
The 33-year-old midfielder said: “Sherwood preferred players from the academy and other English players so it was difficult for me. But being at Tottenham changed my way of thinking, of training.
Capoue added: “When you are not playing, that’s the worst thing for a player. So many things go through your mind and you start to realise what you did at your previous club means nothing.”
Villarreal star Capoue made the right decision to leave Spurs
Six years on from leaving Tottenham, and it is pretty safe to say Capoue made the right decision departing the north London side when he did. The midfielder is now a key player for one of the top sides in Europe.
Indeed, Capoue was man of the match in Villarreal’s Europa League final win over Manchester United last season. And with Spurs yet to win silverware since 2008, the Frenchman made the right call leaving the Premier League side in 2015.
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