How does it feel to be back? You are one of the most popular ex-players that we have…
Erik: “Yeah, it feels amazing. Thank you for the welcome. Yes, first time back as a fan. I have still a lot of messages from Spurs fans. You know, my love for this club is big. I spend a lot of good memories here and the fans are always my help also.”
You must have so many memories from your time here – you were such a close group under Mauricio Pochettino - what are your favourites?
Erik: “Like I said before, I had a lot of memories. It was special for me, this club. I spent many years and now, for me, it's a special moment because I'm here, I look at the people and it's fantastic to be here. I played many games. I enjoyed a lot. We were doing well. We had an amazing team and I enjoyed every season here. To play in this stadium meant a lot. The people are amazing. They make you feel very good every game and, of course, as a player, it's the best. I think when we reached the Champions League final, it was the best moment. It was brilliant. Everyone was fantastic. This moment is forever in my mind. Unfortunately, we didn't win, but this is football.
"There were so many times with that team, so many special moments along the way. We had a very good group. We were fighting all together always. Our relationship was amazing. I think this means a lot in football. When you have a good group, it's better. It's easier to be fighting for good things.”
Speaking about fighting - you always played with your heart - why was it important for you to be physically good, to fight for the shirt?
Erik: “When I came in the first season, I understood that in the Premier League you have to fight and also the way I feel about football. I always give my all. This is the best I can do after sleeping well. I feel if I give everything, it's good. It was amazing to play here. I feel proud and nothing else.”
You’ve started your coaching career as an assistant back at Sevilla – how has that been?
Erik: “I'm second coach. It's a good experience. I'm preparing myself. If in the future I have the possibility, I will see. If not, I will keep doing this. I feel very good with the job I have now. I try to teach the players the things I know are important to improve the players and to give some solutions for the team and make the team better.”
Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to players that come to Tottenham Hotspur, what would you say?
Erik: “The advice is to let them know to come. For me, it was fantastic to be here. The club is amazing. It's always better and better. This is a family also. The fans are something different.”