Rodrigo Bentancur has revealed that Uruguayan international team-mate Luis Suarez ‘intervened’ to assist in his January move to Tottenham, having previously offered advice to Steven Gerrard.
Bentancur joined Spurs in a £21.5million deal from Juventus on deadline day, having won three Serie A titles during a five-year spell in Turin.
The Uruguayan international had featured in 26 games for Juve this season, but still departed the Italian giants to move to the Premier League and join Spurs.
Antonio Conte had to fight off competition from Aston Villa boss Gerrard to bring Bentancur to Tottenham, with the Midlands side seeing a £20m bid turned down on deadline day.
It appears that Suarez had a major impact on Bentancur’s decision to move to England, having spent three years in the Premier League during a spell at Liverpool.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Did Rodrigo Bentancur make the right decision by joining Spurs instead of Aston Villa? Comment below.
First, he reportedly advised Gerrard to sign Bentancur, having formed a close bond with the legendary midfielder during their time at Anfield.
That led to Villa submitting two bids for the 24-year-old, according to Sky Italy, which were both rejected as Juve sought an increased fee.
But after Gerrard failed in his move to sign Bentancur, Conte struck, completing a £21.5m deal to bring him to London instead.
Once again, Suarez had a hand in the transfer, with Bentancur revealing he sought the advice of both the striker and Manchester United star Edinson Cavani on what life in England would be like.
“I was following my situation [transfer to Tottenham] while on international duty,” Bentancur told Sky Sports.
“As soon as Luis Suarez found out that there was a possibility of me coming to play in the Premier League, and for Tottenham, he made himself available to give me as much information as I required.
“Suarez said it would be a great move for me and it would help me both professionally and personally. If I needed anything, he was willing to help me out.
“They both said what a fantastic league it was. I knew it was a big step in my career, so to get information and background on the league was very important.
“It was a decision that I didn't hesitate in taking.”
Despite Villa making two bids for him, Bentancur has also disclosed that the presence of Conte at Tottenham was what ultimately convinced him to join Spurs.
“The fact that Antonio Conte was here was a massive factor in helping me make up my decision to join Tottenham, and a big motivation,” Bentancur added.
“I feel that he can dramatically improve me as a player and I'm looking forward to learning from him big time.
“His track record is amazing. He's won lots of titles and has been successful wherever he's gone.”
Bentancur has impressed in his first two games for Spurs, despite Conte’s men suffering defeats in both of his outings.
He is set to start for Tottenham when they travel to table toppers Manchester City on Saturday evening.
