Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has grown increasingly frustrated over the entire Christian Eriksen transfer saga, claiming that a situation as this ‘shouldn't happen on the 25th of January’.
After days of speculation and several negotiations, Eriksen, 27, is finally closing in on his move to Antonio Conte’s Inter for a reported fee of around £16m which would see him earning near to £320,000 per week. It is said that the midfielder, who was left out of Tottenham's FA Cup fourth-round draw at Southampton on Saturday, will travel to Italy in coming days to finalize his move.
His last appearance for Spurs came as a second-half substitute in a 2-1 Premier League win over Norwich and was subsequently booed by a section of crowed who were unhappy with his commitment towards the club.
With no firm agreement still in place, manager Jose Mourinho’s frustration deemed evident when quipped upon the update of the move. Speaking to the reporters after the Southampton draw, the Portuguese said, "You can read what you want to read. I don't want to say anything.
"I just want to say that this situation shouldn't happen on the 25th of January, and that it is not Tottenham's fault that on the 25th of January we are in this situation.
"The only thing I can say is, Eriksen, since I arrived, has behaved in a very, very professional way with me and with the team.
"Tottenham is the last one to blame in this situation but to be on the 25th of January in a situation like this is not nice."
And while one man is heading out, the manager conceded that Spurs will make Giovani lo Celso’s loan deal from Real Betis a permanent one. Lo Celso, 23, joined Tottenham in August last year on loan and despite initial struggles, the midfielder has evolved under Mourinho, having scored two goals in 20 appearances in the season.
"I think the boy is earning the decision," said Mourinho. "He is making it an easy decision for the club to execute the options.
"Incredible evolution since I arrived. By himself he made the decision that the club is going to execute the option."
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Adrian Dennis
