Former Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has disclosed that he never truly settled in North London as his heart was elsewhere.
Speaking to the RTL 7, as relayed by Voetbal4U, the former goalkeeper revealed that his heart was always with PSV Eindhoven.
Heurelho Gomes made 181 appearances for the Dutch side after transferring from Cruzeiro in 2004 for a fee of €1 million.
The Brazilian keeper signed for Spurs four years later, in 2008, for a fee believed to be around €9 million.
Gomes had a mixed career with the Lilywhites, often facing criticism for occasional errors but also showcasing solid performances at times.
However, his form later dipped, leading to competition from Brad Friedel and ultimately slipping down the pecking order with the arrival of Hugo Lloris in 2012.
The 43-year-old departed from North London on a free transfer to Watford in 2014 after making 134 appearances for Tottenham. During his time at Spurs, he conceded 149 goals and kept 46 clean sheets.
Despite making over 100 appearances for the club, Gomes had difficulty settling in the capital’s north side.
He stated:
“Every time I’m back it’s good. Last year I went for the 110th anniversary. I tried to get to the stadium for the game against Rangers, but that was extremely difficult. I thought I would be able to walk past the people, but that didn’t really work, haha. It was also a beautiful feeling.
“I left in 2008, but my heart remained in Eindhoven for a long time. That’s why it was so difficult for me to get used to Tottenham, precisely because of that.
“My body left the club, but my heart stayed in Eindhoven. The club remains special to me because of what we have achieved. And I feel at home there. Every time I come to PSV; I feel like I’m dreaming. Eindhoven still feels like home.”
Gomes’ affection for PSV remains strong even today, so it’s no surprise that it persisted until four years after he left. He cherishes his time at the club, winning four league titles and the KNVB Cup and becoming a beloved figure among fans.
Nevertheless, Heurelho Gomes has significantly contributed to the Lilywhites, ranking fourth among Tottenham goalkeepers with the most Premier League clean sheets.
