AZ Alkmaar’s Troy Parrott says he turned down Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Celtic for Tottenham Hotspur.
Voetbal International have published a detailed interview with the striker, who talks about Everton, Wolves and Celtic’s past interest.
The Republic of Ireland international joined Tottenham’s academy from Belvedere in 2017. He spent seven years at the north London club and left them for the Eredivisie side in July 2024. Later that year, Parrott admitted he isn’t disappointed over Spurs exit.
Everton, Wolves and Celtic were keen
Prior to his move to Spurs, the Toffees, Wolves and the Celtic Park side all wanted to sign him.
VI points out the 24-year-old started boxing at the age of seven while he played Gaelic football at a young age.
The Dutch magazine were curious as to when the former Tottenham man decided to pick football.
Responding to that, he said: “It was pretty quick. My very first season, I played in central midfield at Stella Maris, a local club. Soon after, I moved to a slightly bigger club, Belvedere FC, and I became a striker there. Less running, more scoring: I loved it straight away.”
His development at the Irish club caught the attention of Tottenham, Everton, Wolves and Celtic. In addition to these clubs, the frontman also had trials at Manchester City and Aston Villa, and these two clubs may have turned him down.
Why Tottenham over Everton, Wolves and Celtic
The current AZ Alkmaar star had to pick between the north London, Everton, Wolves and Celtic. He explains what convinced him to pick Spurs over the other three clubs.
“And I turned out to be good at it. From a young age, I was asked by foreign clubs to do internships. I played for Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Celtic,” Parrott explained.
“Some clubs turned me down, but in the end, I had to choose between Spurs, Everton, Wolves, and Celtic. Tottenham gave me the best feeling. I felt incredibly welcome there, which is especially important at a young age.”
Parrott played only four matches for Spurs, who sent him on loan to a few clubs before selling him to AZ Alkmaar. He has starred for the Eredivisie side, scoring 43 goals and contributing 11 assists from 73 matches so far.