da bwin： Archie Gray said Ange Postecogolou was a "massive factor" in his Tottenham transfer as the £30m teenager explained why he left Leeds United.
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Gray signed a six-year contract at SpursEnjoyed a breakout season at Elland RoadGeared up to play in Europe with SpursWHAT HAPPENED?
Gray enjoyed a breakout season at Elland Road which led Tottenham to shell out £30 million ($38m) for the midfielder, who has signed a six-year contract at the north London club. The transfer includes Joe Rodon moving to Leeds in a permanent transfer after spending last season on loan at Elland Road.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Gray's footballing pedigree is impressive. The 18-year-old midfielder is the son of Andy Gray, the grandson of Frank Gray, and the great-nephew of Eddie Gray. All three predecessors not only played for Leeds United but also represented Scotland at the international level. His family are massive Celtic fans and hence hold Postecoglou, the former Hoops boss, in high regard.
WHAT GRAY SAID
"I'm not going to lie, I'm a massive Celtic fan, so I love him! My whole family loves him," Gray said in his first interview with Tottenham's media channels.
"He's a massive factor. Playing under a really good manager is really important for me. I've got loads to learn because I'm only 18. It's obviously a massive club and an opportunity I couldn't turn down. I'm really excited to play and get started with the team. It still hasn't sunk in, to be honest, and I don't think it will for the next few days until we've played a few games and I've got to meet everyone."
He also revealed that the allure of European football also led him to choose Tottenham instead of Brentford, with whom he had already agreed personal terms.
"When Spurs came and I had the opportunity to play in the Champions League eventually, and Europa League this year, I couldn't really say no," he added.
"I know so many players that are here – not so much the first team but the young lads – and obviously it's a massive project under Ange. It's something I want to be part of."
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR GRAY?
Despite Leeds' heart-wrenching loss in the Championship play-off final to Southampton, Gray's performances caught the eye of several Premier League clubs. Initially, he had agreed personal terms with Brentford, but the opportunity to work with Postecoglou and play for a club with Tottenham's stature proved irresistible.