Lloris convinced Sissoko to end Arsenal dream by joining Spurs

Though Moussa Sissoko is a self-confessed Arsenal fan, he has revealed a pep talk from France and new Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Hugo Lloris convinced him to cross the north London divide.

Following Newcastle United’s relegation, midfielder Sissoko made no secret of his desire to leave, effectively launching a ‘come-and-get-me’ plea to Arsenal.

He said in June: “I often said it when I was young, Arsenal is the club of my heart, because there were quite a few French players there like Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Patrick Vieira who was my idol.

“The beautiful Arsenal. We will see.”

Interest from Arsenal though, was not forthcoming and ahead of the transfer deadline closing on Wednesday Sissoko became the subject of a tug-of-war between Everton and Spurs.

(Stu Forster/Getty Images)

His choice to move to the blue and white half of north London will almost inevitably stop him from fulfilling his dream of one day turning out for Arsenal.

But Sissoko revealed Spurs and France captain Lloris has helped convince him to join up with Mauricio Pochettino’s team.

Sissoko said: “He’s [Lloris] a good friend for me.

“When we are with the national team we speak a lot, we laugh a lot.

“He’s a great player and when he spoke to me about this club he told me that it’s amazing and everything is here for me to play some good games and to fight with the best teams in England.

“I’m happy and he’s happy because we will play together in the Premier League.”