Ange Postecoglou has opened up on his move to Tottenham and explained how Celtic launched a late bid to try and keep him in Glasgow.
The 57-year-old Australian, who won the domestic treble with Celtic this season, moves south to London to replace Antonio Conte.
Conte was sacked in late March, with Cristian Stellini and then Ryan Mason taking temporary charge. Postecoglou will officially join Spurs on July 1.
After joining the London club, Postecoglou said: “They wanted me to extend my time at Celtic and while I am so respectful and understanding of their position, a new opportunity has been presented to me and it is one which I wanted to explore.
“It was an honour to be asked to be Celtic manager and during my two years I have given everything I have to deliver success to our supporters. Culminating in the Treble at the weekend, my players and backroom team have been brilliant for me on this journey.
"They have given us all some fantastic moments through their energy and effort, creating real quality, winning football.
“Our supporters have been magnificent to me and I thank them for the way they have embraced me during the past two years. My ambition was always to give our fans a team they could be proud of, a team people talked about and I think we have achieved that.
“Celtic is a phenomenal football club, and so much more - and I will forever be a supporter of this great institution. I wish everyone connected with Celtic nothing but continued success.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone at the Club for everything they have given me. In particular, Dermot, Peter and Michael and the Celtic board have shown me tremendous support in every aspect of my time at Celtic and I will forever be grateful for this.
"They brought me to the club and I have worked so closely and so well with them for the past two years, I will always have a special relationship with them."
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said on the club’s website: “Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play.
“He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our club.
“We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead.”
Tottenham added Postecoglou’s backroom coaching staff would be confirmed “in due course”.
Postecoglou won five major trophies in his two seasons in charge of Celtic after replacing Neil Lennon in June 2021.
