Ex-Tottenham Hotspurs star Adel Taarabt said that back in 2007 he wanted to join Arsenal instead of Spurs.
We all remember Adel Taarabt for his cult status with Queen Park Rangers. His debut season in the EFL Championship was a definition of ‘the streets won’t forget’. But Loftus Road wasn’t exactly his first home in England instead it was White Heart Lane. The former Morrocan international Taarabt, in a recent interview came out insisting that he chose the wrong north london club back in 2007. Came with huge expectations from french club Lens, but he couldn’t make a breakthrough with Spurs. It was a disastrous first three years in England for the then 17 year old Taarabt before leaving the club in 2010.
ADEL TAARABT’S TIME IN ENGLAND
Adel Taarabt’s time in England or should I say his time in London as his stay in England was confined only to the capital city. So, his time in Loegria is remebered for his cult status at Loftus Road stadium, the home of QPR. The 2010/11 season in the second tier of English football was the finest of his career. A one season wonder in nature because he couldn’t translate that into the Premier League the following season. Played over 150 games for QPR scoring 34 goals and winning promotion in 2011 with the club.
Taarabt failed live up to his Championship form in the Premier League and the club got relegated just two years after that. Gunning for more first division football he ventured a move to fellow london club Fulham who were recently promoted to the PL but again couldn’t make a click there. Following a short stint with struggling Italian giants AC Milan he left England forever in 2015. Before all this way back in 2007 a young 17 year old Taarabt was signed by Tottenham Hostpurs from French club Lens. Initioally joining on loan the move was made permanant in the summer on 2007. But his three years with the north london club was confined only to the bench. He only made a total of 9 appearences in the white of Tottenham.
Taarabt who played as an attacking midfielder and also as a winger couldn’t make the cut to the first team. It was during the same time that, a 23 year old Croatian named Luka Modric was bought into the club and excelled in that midfield role. Limitted oppertunities in first team made him look for options elsewhere.
WHAT DID TAARABT SAY?
In a recent Interview given to The National Adel Taarabt came out saying “I signed for Tottenham, but I wanted to sign for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, the legendary Frenchman,” It was the prospects of playing under Arsene Wenger that induced such a desire in him. Who wouldn’t want to play under such a legendary manager? Instead he signed for Tottenham. This was because the then sporting director at Spurs Damian Comalli convinced him to beileve that Spurs were building something. A young Gareth Bale arrive at White Heart lane during the same time, Kyle Walker arrived soon later and like said earlier a young Luka Modric joined. It looked like Spurs were building something special. And Taarabt believed the same. He went on to say “It was a good club, but not one that gave young players many chances.”
WHERE IS TAARABT NOW?
Adel Taarabt was like an unsettled soul during his playing career. He didn’t stick with any club he played except QPR and Benfica. He played for eight clubs in his hugely travelling career including Lens. Tottenham, QPR, Fulham, AC Milan, Benfica, Genoa and Al Nasr. He only made more than 50 apperences for only three clubs in his career.
Taarabt currently plays his trade for Al Nasr in the UAE Pro League.
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