João Palhinha has spoken about his new chapter at Tottenham Hotspur, expressing happiness with the move and optimism about the project ahead.
The midfielder was speaking in a press conference with the Portugal national team. He’s quoted by local outlet A Bola, ahead of the matches against Ireland and Hungary.
Reflecting on his time at Bayern Munich, the 30-year-old admitted it had been a difficult period. “The moment with the national team depends a lot on what we live at our club. Last season wasn’t easy for me, especially when I got injured with the national team. I was out longer than expected. Afterwards, I didn’t get the opportunities I think I deserved,” he said.
Palhinha pointed out that the lack of minutes in Germany affected his international rhythm but stressed he is now in a positive phase. “Now I’m going through a happy moment in my life. A new club, a new project. A league that isn’t new to me and that I’m enjoying again. Football and life are very momentary. I just have to enjoy these moments,” he continued.
Longer Tottenham stay sounds likely
As relayed by MaisFutebol, he also spoke about his quick adaptation at Tottenham and the trust he has felt since arriving in North London. “I’ve simply been having the opportunities I didn’t have in the past. I feel total confidence from the people who wanted to bring me to Tottenham. In this case, the coach, who was the main person responsible for my return to England,” Palhinha explained.
“When we feel wanted somewhere, I think that’s where we should be. So I made this decision very easily, honestly. Not only because it’s the Premier League, but because I felt the desire from the other side to work with me. And that’s what’s helping me show again what I’m capable of,” he added.
The midfielder also reiterated his confidence about competing for a starting role with Portugal. He remains ready for any opportunity that comes his way.
As previously reported, the midfielder sealed a season-long loan from Bayern Munich that includes a €30m (£25.5m) purchase option. Tottenham are covering his full salary for the duration of the loan, estimated at around €8.5m (£7.2m) with potential bonuses pushing it closer to €10m (£8.5m).
His move was seen as part of Spurs’ push to strengthen their midfield with experienced Premier League talent, and it appears to be paying off.
Palhinha has featured in 11 games across all competitions for Tottenham this season, totalling 718 minutes, with two goals and one assist to his name.
Given his form and comments about enjoying this new phase, all signs point to him wanting to stay beyond the loan spell. That leaves the question of whether Tottenham will trigger the option to buy. So far, there’s no shortage of reasons to do so.