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On this day: Klinsmann arrives at Spurs

29 Jul 2019

Hear Jurgen Klinsmann explain the background to his move to the Premier League in 1994

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On 29 July 1994, striker Jurgen Klinsmann completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur from Monaco.

His arrival in north London was a big moment for the Premier League as Klinsmann, a FIFA 1990 World Cup winner with West Germany, was one of the first high-profile foreign recruits to the competition.

Klinsmann arrived as one of the best strikers in world football but also with a reputation in England for going to ground easily.

He addressed this in his first press conference by jokingly asking, "Are there any diving schools in London?"

And the charm that endeared him to English football fans was again on display on the opening weekend of the 1994/95 season with a diving celebration when scoring his debut Spurs goal in a 4-3 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

He scored seven goals in his opening six matches and ended up with 20 Premier League goals that season.

"What I really liked the most was the team spirit I experienced," he said, reflecting on the move. "Spurs welcomed me with open arms and I got so excited and had such a positive mood that I think I played my best season as a footballer that year."

Klinsmann departed after that season but returned to White Hart Lane on loan in 1997/98, where a further nine goals from 15 appearances helped preserve Spurs' top-flight status.

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