Joao Moutinho will take on Tottenham Hotspur with Monaco at Wembley.
Joao Moutinho celebrates scoring for Monaco
Joao Moutinho is expected to start for Monaco at Wembley in their Champions League opener ‘away’ to Tottenham Hotspur.
Moutinho was part of the Monaco team which lost to Spurs in the Europa League a year ago, and the midfielder promises his side are stronger this time around.
Speaking at a press conference and quoted by Nice Matin, Moutinho said: “The match will be different, the two teams played nine months ago, that said, we hope for a good result. This is a different competition, and a different season.”
Monaco’s Joao Moutinho during the press conference
Moutinho was part of Portugal’s Euro 2016 winning side this summer, over Tottenham and France’s Hugo Lloris and Moussa Sissoko.
He is also a player known to Tottenham fans as he almost joined the club in the same summer as Lloris back in 2012.
Spurs came close to sealing a move, agreeing a fee with Porto, but were unable to complete the switch, with the negotiations taking place on deadline day.
Moutinho was asked about the near switch at his press conference, and responded by cheekily suggesting Tottenham left it too late, which is not incorrect.
He said, smiling: “This does not happen in a few minutes…”
Portugal’s Joao Moutinho scores during the penalty shootout
Spurs had left their transfer activity late that summer after selling Luka Modric three days before the transfer deadline, and Moutinho was a last minute target.
His addition likely would have been a shrewd one, and he will be out to prove his quality once again on the big stage at Wembley tomorrow night.
Portugal’s Joao Moutinho celebrates scoring during the penalty shootout
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