I’m not crying, there’s just something in my eye. Here is a look at some emotional Twitter tributes as Mousa Dembele departs for China.
The Tottenham faithful are bound to feel a little sentimental today as it was announced Mousa Dembele will leave for the Chinese Super League; but they will also be thankful they got to witness the midfielder glide about the field, effortlessly swatting off anyone who dared cross his path, while wearing the lily-white shirt.
It is hard to compare the enigmatic Belgian to another player in world football and his consistent brilliance played a huge part in Tottenham’s rise towards the summit of the table.
Almost anybody who had the pleasure of playing alongside Dembele lists him as one of the best on the planet. Poch was always effusive in praise and named him alongside Maradona and Ronaldinho as one of the ‘genius players’ he has worked with.
Here are some tributes to the box-to-box midfielder as his six and a half year stay in North London comes to an end.
The players pay tribute
Jan Vertonghen was the first to post an emotional response to the news, lauding his compatriot as an ‘incredible footballer.’
Going to be weird without you around @mousadembele. An amazing guy, an unbelievable footballer. One of the best experiences of my career being able to play alongside you. All the best in your next chapter... pic.twitter.com/UrHwhuaFU5
— Jan Vertonghen (@JanVertonghen) January 17, 2019
Harry Kane also released a heartwarming photo of the two during a training session.
Good luck in your new chapter @mousadembele. Thanks for everything you've done for the club. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/3E2iQpj1o8
— Harry Kane (@HKane) January 17, 2019
Michel Vorm went on to call him ‘one of the best players ever played with.’
Definitely one of the best players I ever played with. Gonna miss my brother from another mother. Good luck with a new chapter in your life. All the best for you and your family 💙 pic.twitter.com/XBZNJ9vDUZ
— Michel Vorm (@Vorm_Official) January 17, 2019
The fans pay tribute
The Tottenham faithful also took to the social networking site to pay homage to one of the club’s most loved players in recent history.
Oh Mousa Dembele. One of the most unique, talented, and majestic footballers I've watched. I'll miss you making grown men look like children as you galloped past them. A shame it had to end this way.
— Jake. (@YedIin) January 17, 2019
Mousa Dembélé in the Premier League for #thfc:
— Spurs Stat Man (@spursstatman) January 17, 2019
181 appearances
11,899 minutes played
90.7% passing accuracy
608 take-ons attempted
82.9% take-ons completed
584 tackles attempted
80.8% tackles won
7 goals
9 assists
Goodnight, sweet prince. pic.twitter.com/FfWic052Wq
I’m gutted to see Dembele go. In his prime he was one of my favourite ever Spurs players to watch. I’m not sure anyone outside of the club will ever appreciate just how good he was. 🐐
— Kieran (@Kieran_N17) January 17, 2019
No-one said it better than Pochettino himself, if they'd have had him at 18 he'd be recognised as one of the greatest few players in the world.
— Nathan (@NathanAClark) January 17, 2019
Maybe for just a while he was anyway.
Thank you Mousa Dembele.https://t.co/thF2nn2PSW
However, life must go on without the Belgian. His departure means Spurs are a man lighter in an already threadbare position, but consequently £11 million better off.
Daniel Levy is now faced with the unenviable task of replacing the perennial powerhouse. Whether, the club will attempt to do so in the current window or wait until the summer remains to be seen.