Tiago Rejected Spurs For Atletico Madrid - Report
According to Marca, Tiago Mendes’ refusal to return to the Premiership was the reason for his collapsed move to Tottenham Hotspur, with the player desperate to sign for Atletico Madrid instead.
The Portuguese international is certain to leave Juventus before the end of the month following a disastrous six months in Turin.
Tiago, who signed for the Bianconeri in the summer from Lyon for €13m, was all set to move on again to Spurs after a fee for the player was agreed.
It was revealed yesterday that the transfer to White Hart Lane had collapsed at the last minute, with many assuming that this was down to personal terms.
However Marca claims that the real reason is Tiago’s refusal to return to the English Premiership.
The 26-year-old had a largely unsuccessful season spent there with Chelsea in 2004/05, where despite winning a league championship, and a league cup, he never truly demonstrated his best form.
Tiago believes that he is better suited to the Spanish championship, and has told his representatives and Juventus that he only wants to move to Atletico Madrid.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Juve will now have no option but to negotiate a sale to the Rojiblancos, who would like to originally obtain the player on loan until the end of the season, with an opportunity to then make the move permanent.
Atletico are keen to snap up a centre-midfielder following the sale of Nuno Maniche to Inter Milan last week.
goal.com