07 March 2024 , 12:08
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Sergio Reguilon has opened up about his "strange" Tottenham exit, claiming manager Ange Postecoglou had told him he was in his plans before ultimately deciding to ship him out on loan.
Reguilon joined Spurs from Real Madrid in 2020 and was a first-team regular for two years. However, he lost his place to new signing Ivan Perisic in 2022 and spent the season on loan at Atletico Madrid.
He returned to Tottenham this summer hoping for a fresh start under new boss Postecoglou, who has overseen major personnel changes with long-serving players like Hugo Lloris, Eric Dier, Harry Winks, Davinson Sanchez and Harry Kane all departing.
Reguilon, though, claims he was told he would have a part to play for Spurs this season just days before the club let him join Manchester United on loan. "During pre-season I was very happy and he was happy with me, [as were] the staff," Reguilon told The Times.
"I was playing like a normal player, all the games. The week before, I went to see him. 'You want me at the club?', 'Yes, I have to do a list and you are in my squad'. It was strange. The next day I was out of training and I didn't know what happened.
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"I know I can play for Spurs, but in many aspects in football the player doesn't have control. And I don't want to stay to sit in the stadium watching. I am 27, I have too much football to live.
"I don't understand why one day is 'yes' and next day is 'no' but ... I don't think it [was for a] performance reason, I think it's another reason; this is football, this is business."
Reguilon spent the first half of the season on loan at Manchester United (Getty Images)Reguilon joined United on transfer deadline day as injury cover for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, but made just seven starts across all competitions with the Red Devils cutting his loan short in January.
The 27-year-old has since joined Brentford on loan for the remainder of the season with their first-choice left-back Rico Henry currently sidelined with a serious knee injury. And Reguilon is now enjoying life under Bees boss Thomas Frank, adding: "Thomas is a very honest person.
"I love the way he talks to everyone, to you, the players. I love him. He told me, 'It's a win-win. We love you, we need you and at the same time you need a manager who trusts you, believes in you, puts you on the pitch every weekend. It’s a moment in your career you need that stability'. I was thinking that myself."
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