Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte says a meeting with Celtic over nine years ago was in his mind when signing Fraser Forster.
The English goalkeeper made himself a hero at Parkhead over loan and permanent stints, winning multiple trophies in Glasgow. Champions League last 16 action beckoned for the big stopper in 2013 when Italian giants Juventus came to town, convincingly winning 3-0 in Glasgow before a comfortable 2-0 victory on their home soil. It may have been a simple round for Conte's team but the Italian was heavily impressed by Forster's performance between the sticks. It is why he didn't hesitate to bring him into Tottenham from Southampton this summer.
Conte told the club's media channels: "Fraser, I knew him when he played with Celtic, and we played in the Champions League against Celtic, Celtic – Juventus. I was impressed because we are talking about a really good ‘keeper and he is a really good guy.
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“I have seen this week that he came in very well into the dressing room.
"For the second goalkeeper, a particular role, and you need to have the second keeper very positive all season, and I think we made the best choice.”
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Forster started his career at Newcastle United and had four successful years at Celtic between 2010-2014. He left for Southampton and returned five years later for a term before departing again in 2020.
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