Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters has told The Guardian that leaving Tottenham Hotspur was ‘tough’ – but still speaks to Dele Alli every day.
Tottenham decided to send Walker-Peters out on loan in January of this year, despite having issues at right back following Kieran Trippier’s exit.
He went on to impress at Southampton, and turned his move permanent in the summer as part of the deal that saw Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg join Tottenham.
Walker-Peters has been a mainstay of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, helping the Saints make a strong start to the season.
The 23-year-old has already made 23 appearances for Southampton, meaning he is just one short of matching his tally at Tottenham, which sums up how he is valued on the South Coast.
Walker-Peters has now discussed this decision to leave, admitting that it was ‘tough’ to go having come up through the Tottenham ranks.
Playing one game and then being out of the side for weeks was difficult for Walker-Peters, and he felt he needed to leave and really show what he can do.
Walker-Peters added that he still talks to Dele Alli every day, which is ironic; the Spurs midfielder may just have to make a similar decision in the very near future.
“I might play one game and then not play for five. That was really hard,” said Walker-Peters. “Not that there are any hard feelings over it. I’m still in contact with all my mates there. I talk to Dele [Alli] every day. And they’re all happy for me.”
“It was tough leaving Tottenham. I was training and playing with some of the best players in the world. I got to play in the Champions League. But I was at a stage in my career where I needed to show everyone what I can do,” he added.
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