“PSG didn’t respect my true worth”

Paris St-Germain for Tottenham

Serge Aurier claims he was one of the most influential defenders in Ligue 1 but has now left Paris St-Germain for Tottenham because he felt undervalued.

Aurier completed a deadline day move to Tottenham and will slot in at right back to replace Kyle Walker, who joined Manchester City in a big-money move earlier in the summer.

The defender arrives with a reputation as a controversial character. His move to White Hart Lane was held up by work permit complications, coming as a result of receiving a suspended sentence for assaulting a police officer last year.

“I wanted a new life because PSG didn’t respect my true worth,” he told The Sun. “They dwelt on other matters beside football.

“Statistically speaking, I am the most influential defender in Ligue 1 between 2013 and now. I have also won nine trophies with PSG.

“There are more striking things about my career than what happened off the field, but this is what they preferred to linger over.

“I feel free now. PSG offered me a new three-year deal, but I have left them for a new adventure. I turned them down for a number of reasons. I want to discover a new way of life.

“I got on well with everyone at the club – bosses, players, coaches and fans – and the proof comes from the fact they wanted to keep me. But I had to think of myself. It is a personal decision.

“I had some business with the police that was blown up by the media in Europe. Normally when a matter goes on for a year or more they move on to something else. But in my case, there was far too much of a fuss. If I hadn’t been mentally strong I would have cracked up.”