Roma and Egypt striker Mido has confirmed that Tottenham have won the race for his signature.
The 21-year-old was also being chased by Southampton but agreed to join Spurs after a meeting with the club's sporting director Frank Arnesen.
Although he is expected to sign on loan until the end of the season, a permanent move has not been ruled out.
"I have spoken to Frank Arnesen and he has convinced me to join them," said the former Marseille forward.
"I know I will not be arriving as a big star but my role is to help the team qualify for European competition.
"I already know Fredi Kanoute and Noureddine Naybet from African matches and that will help me to adapt.
"It is a great opportunity and I will treat it as a professional challenge. I do not think I can fail with Spurs."
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Spurs coach Martin Jol, who says he has also "declared an interest" in Chelsea striker Carlton Cole, is confident the signing of Mido is what the club needs.
"He has the potential to be one of the best young players in Europe but he has got to deliver. If he does that he will be a terrific player," Jol said.
The former Ajax striker, who joined Roma for £3.9m from Marseille last September, has fallen out of favour at the Stadio Olimpico.
"I have matured a lot and I arrive at Tottenham with a different mentality," Mido added.
"I have always wanted to play in the Premier League. Now I have the chance, I do not want to fail.
"I have had a couple of years that have not gone well, but Spurs is now the best option for me professionally.
"I do not know much about London so this is an adventure and I am looking forward to it."
''I came to Rome with many dreams, leaving Marseille at the time I was shining there and the administration of the team relied on me and I had my place reserved in the squad as the main striker. I came to Roma to play for my favourite team with the stars whom I like, (referring to Totti , Montella and Cassano).
Unfortunately, my dreams didn't come true after Voller left. He was convinced with me more than Montella. Del Neri didn't give me a fair chance to prove my worth to the team, excluding me from the starting line up meaning that I can only participate in games as a substitute. Moreover, I didn't play in my position which is striker, and was given the role of a left winger!!!
I am waiting for my chance with my new team and the Egyptian national team because frankly I am "football hungry" and I am awaiting my chance to prove to everyone who Ahmed Hosasam "Mido" is. I'll prove that I am still a goal scorer as I used to be with the national team, Gent, Ajax, Celta Vigo and Marseille as I have been deprived from a genuine chance to prove my self in Roma. Every one including DelNeri knows that if I have taken a fair chance I would have found the net on several occasions.
I doubt that there is a striker in the whole world who could score goals when he is playing for just a few minutes in games similar to those I encountered.''
Unfortunately, my dreams didn't come true after Voller left. He was convinced with me more than Montella. Del Neri didn't give me a fair chance to prove my worth to the team, excluding me from the starting line up meaning that I can only participate in games as a substitute. Moreover, I didn't play in my position which is striker, and was given the role of a left winger!!!
发表于 2005-1-21 23:57:00