Former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips was a target for Tottenham in 2008, but he was put off joining the London club after a conversation with Jermain Defoe
Andy Robertson is being linked with Tottenham
Andy Robertson is being linked with Tottenham(Image: Getty Images)
Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has revealed he was discouraged from joining Tottenham after a telephone conversation with Jermain Defoe.
The timing of Wright-Phillips' revelation is interesting, as Andy Robertson is being linked with a move to Spurs. It's believed Tottenham is interested in bringing Liverpool's vice-captain to London before the January transfer window closes shortly. Wright-Phillips left Stamford Bridge in 2008 when he rejoined Manchester City and later turned out for QPR.
The winger enjoyed a lengthy Premier League career, starting in Nottingham Forest's academy before moving to City. There, he established himself in the first team before joining Chelsea in 2005.
He played under Jose Mourinho in London and won the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the League Cup.
In 2008, he was preparing to depart the London club as potential suitors circled.
The 44-year-old has revealed that before he made his choice and returned to City, Tottenham showed interest in him, but he was put off making the move following a phone call with his mate Defoe.
Shaun Wright-Phillips speaks on In The Mixer
Shaun Wright-Phillips speaks on In The Mixer(Image: In The Mixer)
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"It was a weird situation because I always said when I left City, I would go back and play one more spell there," said Wright-Phillips, speaking on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet.
"I didn't expect it to come as soon as it did because I could have still stayed at Chelsea.
"They weren't pushing me out the door or anything like that. They wanted me to stay.
"But it was because of England. They wanted you to have more game time (in order to play for them).
"I had to make a decision, and Spurs were floating around. I spoke to JD. But he said, 'It's not what you think it is.'
"That was enough for me. I signed the deal for me to go back to City straight away!"
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