“I can’t wait” – Ivan Perisic discusses coming to the Premier League, reuniting with Antonio Conte

Tottenham Hotspur has made their first signing of the summer (and it’s not officially summer) as they inked former Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic to a two-year deal and who arrives as a free agent. After years of playing in Germany and Italy, the Croatia international will get his first taste of Premier League football. 

In an interview with the Spurs’ official website, Perisic spoke about the desire to come to north London and come to the Premier League, which has been his dream ever since his first-team career began in 2009. 

“From the first time I was in contact with the coach and sporting director, I told them that I really wanted to come here,” Perisic said. 

“Ever since 2009, when I started playing professional football in Belgium, I was so close a few times to coming to the Premier League and, at last, this is the moment. I can’t wait.”

Perisic then discussed what he plans to bring to Tottenham ahead of a season where manager Antonio Conte wants to contend for silverware domestically and be a serious challenger for the UEFA Champions League.

“I’m going to bring, first of all, a lot of hard work. I like to work a lot, I like to work for the team because only like this you can win something important,” Perisic said. 

“I can play several positions in the system Tottenham is playing now. I will bring a lot of experience as well, I’ve played for a lot of great clubs and, like I said, I can’t wait to start to play, to train and give my best.”

Finally, Perisic spoke about reuniting with Conte, who he worked with at Inter Milan, where they won their first Scudetto since 2009/10 in 2020/21. As a result, the 33-year-old understands what the Italian tactician demands from his players. 

“It’s a privilege to work again with a coach like this,” Perisic said. “We did well at Inter, won the league after 10 or 11 years; it was a perfect year. I’m really happy to see him again. I think we’re going to do some good things here in England.”

“He’s living football, every minute, every hour, every day, even when he’s sleeping, he’s thinking about football! He’s so passionate. He wants to win. I like his character, and I know we’re going to do a great job here. Like I said, I can’t wait to start, to train, to play in this amazing stadium, I think we will have a great time, and we can do a great job here.”