Spurs move a big change for me - Sissoko

FORMER Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko has revealed he had to adapt to a totally different ‘system’ and ‘culture’ at Tottenham.

The France international also attributed his initial struggles in North London due to the level being ‘higher’ at White Hart Lane when compared to Newcastle and his previous club Toulouse.

Sissoko left United in a £30million deal to Tottenham in the summer of 2016.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a successful Euro 2016 campaign with France but arrived at Spurs on the back of being relegated with the Magpies.

For the first two seasons at Tottenham he largely struggled to make an impact and supporters were questioning why they had paid such a big fee to prise him away from Newcastle.

However, this season has seen Sissoko become an integral part of Spurs’ title challenge.

He has made 27 appearances in all competitions and is a man boss Mauricio Pochettino is becoming increasingly dependent on.

Sissoko said: “I am very happy with what I have done from the beginning of the season.

“Everyone knows the first two years here were not easy for me and maybe it took some time to adapt with a new team but also a new style of football.

“When I was in Newcastle the system was totally different.

“So it was not easy. In my old teams I used to play every game and when you go to a new club and don’t start you are disappointed.

“You have to stay strong in your head and I was and people were here to help me gain confidence and work every day to succeed. I did not give up.”

Sissoko also suggested he struggled to adjust to the increased ‘level’ at Spurs compared to Newcastle.

He added: “I think people expected me to succeed straight away. Everyone wants to perform straight away but sometimes you cannot. My time was the time I took and the past is gone.

“I can also say the level here is higher than it was at Toulouse and Newcastle.” Moussa Sissoko