Troy Parrott has opened up on his feelings about Tottenham Hotspur as he prepares to face his former club.
Parrott travels to North London as part of the AZ Alkmaar team to take on Spurs in the Europa League on Thursday, just a matter of months before he sealed a permanent switch away from the Lilywhites.
However, that transfer only came after a series of loans, with Parrott turning out for Millwall, Ipswich Town, MK Dons, Preston North End and, most successfully, Excelsior. His 17-goal spell with the latter convinced AZ to swoop in the summer window.
Parrott has made a strong start to life in Alkmaar, netting six goals in 11 appearances across all competitions.
Troy Parrott reflects on Tottenham departure
Parrott returns to play his former club for the first time since his departure on Thursday.
It’s sure to be an emotional evening for the Republic of Ireland international who, despite being touted as one of the club’s most promising talents, managed just four senior appearances for Spurs in the 2019/20 campaign.
But there are no hard feelings from Parrott himself, who remains grateful for the opportunities Spurs gave him.
“Spurs is such a big club. I have been given a few chances to play for them and I am proud of that,” the striker told De Telegraaf.
“You know: Spurs is a good club, they have always taken good care of me. They want to develop young players and deliver them to the first team. That is incredibly difficult because the club is in the top 5 of the Premier League.
“I actually have nothing bad to say about the club. It wasn’t meant to be that I broke through there. Now my own journey has begun. I’m on my own journey.”
Parrott has admitted it’ll be a ‘special match’. However, he is solely focused on trying to get a result in what could prove a difficult night away from home for AZ against a tournament favourite.
“There are also some family members and friends living in London coming to the match, so it is a special match in many ways,” Parrott added.
“Look, there are a few world-class players there, it’s not going to be easy. But for me and my fellow players, it’s an exciting and beautiful evening. It’s an opportunity to show what we can do against such a big team.”
