Recent Borussia Dortmund acquisition Sebastian Rode claims he rejected an offer from Tottenham in favour of joining the Bundesliga giants.
Rode joins Dortmund from arch-rivals FC Bayern München, bucking the trend that has seen several stars, such as Mats Hummels, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski, move the other way in recent seasons.
The 25-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements at the Allianz Arena after making just 17 appearances for the German champions last term.
He became Dortmund’s fourth signing of the off-season and joins fellow new arrivals Marc Bartra, Ousmane Dembele and Mikel Merino at Signal Iduna Park.
When asked about rumours involving Spurs, Rode told Bild: “Yes, that’s true. And I listened to it but, again, the transfer to BVB was a matter of the heart.
“I’ve known [Thomas] Tuchel since he was a youth coach at Mainz back when I still played for Offenbacher Kickers.
“I had very, very convincing talk with Tuchel before my signature. My decision that it can only be Dortmund was certain after that.”
