New Spurs Signing Ivan Perisic Has Played Professionally In A Different Sport

I mean, the experienced Croatian can even make his way around a beach volleyball court if needs be.

“My only wish is to stay in the tournament for as long as possible," he said before the event kicked off. “I hope my participation in Porec will help promote this unique tournament and promote this beautiful sport.

"And the fee that we will receive as a team from the organisers will be donated to the National Federation to benefit the development of Croatian beach volleyball players.”

Perisic and his partner Dell’Orco were handed a tough draw in Pool A, alongside Alvaro/Saymon and American pair Brunner/Patterson and Gibb/Taylor Crabb as they played for a total prize pot of $600,000.

In their first game, they lost to Alvaro/Saymon 0:2 (10:21, 10:21) and unfortunately for the pair, things didn't get much better as they failed to record a single win in their next two games.

Perisic, however, was still upbeat about taking part in his first professional tournament.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has given me the opportunity to play with the best beach volleyball players in the world. It felt amazing – even though I lost."

Five years on and Perisic is looking forward to getting started in North London with former boss Antonio Conte.

“Ever since 2009, when I started playing professional football in Belgium, I was so close a few times to coming to the Premier League and, at last, this is the moment. I can’t wait.

“I’m going to bring, first of all, a lot of hard work. I like to work a lot, I like to work for the team because only like this you can win something important. I can play several positions in the system Tottenham is playing now.

"I will bring a lot of experience as well," the winger added. "I’ve played for a lot of great clubs and, like I said, I can’t wait to start to play, to train and give my best.”